Immunochemical Characterisation of Grass Pollen Allergens in South Africa

Because of their worldwide distribution and profuse pollen production, grasses represent a major aeroallergen source for 40% of allergic patients. In Southern Africa there are 94 genera (10% of the world total) and 967 species of grass. Of these, 847 species are indigenous, and 115 are naturalised. Southern Africa comprises both subtropical and temperate regions, where grassland and savannah biomes predominate. The most significant pollens associated with pollinosis in South Africa are those produced by grass. The important tree pollens implicated in pollinosis are mostly from introduced species, and have an important role in early spring, but have a limited duration. Weed and dicotyledon pollens are produced through the summer, but make a lesser contribution.