ABSTRACT
To determine the major causes of allergic reactions and the level of sensitivity to local allergens among residents of Saudi Arabia. Retrospective data analysis. National Center for Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 110 patients who had allergies underwent skin testing. Twelve allergens were used for this study including the most commonly reported allergen Prosopis juliflora [mesquite] pollen. Skin prick tests. Date tree pollens and prosopis. Among the causes of allergies found in the 110 patients who were tested, 75.5% were found to be positive to prosposis, 59% to date tree pollens and 54.5% reacted to both. Positive reactions to CAT epithelium [46.4%], Bermuda grass [66.4%], Russian Thistle [71%] and Atriplex should also be considered as major factors causing senstitization in the region as this can also cause cross-reactivity among tree pollens and not necessarily to prosopis pollen. The findings suggest that prosopis pollen is a sensitizing factor to allergic patients of mesquite and their possible cross-reactivities with other tree pollens, merit further research [a] to draw conclusion of prosopis-hypersensitivity in many multiple sensitive patients and [b] to consider Prosopis as one of the major allergens in Saudi Arabia
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Allergens , Hypersensitivity , Allergy and Immunology , Retrospective Studies , PollenABSTRACT
Primary immunodeficiency disorders are rather common in the Kingdom. One hundred and eight cases in patients and their close relatives have been diagnosed at KFSH and RC between 1981-1988. It is believed that this number represents but a fraction of the total cases, most of whom die undiagnosed. Consanguinity may be a major factor in the high incidence of primary immunodeficiency. A high index of suspicion by physicians should result in early diagnosis and referral to a center where advanced methods for diagnosis and treatment in the Kingdom are available