01 RJR 01 2011 8-40pg.qxd:Interior

OBJECTIVE: Because the prevalence and pattern of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to inhalant allergens may vary between different European regions, our goal was to evaluate ragweed aeroallergen sensitization in allergic rhinitis patients from the central part of the Romanian Plain, located in the southern part of the country. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a two-year period we recruited patients with allergic rhinitis symptoms from the mentioned region and skin prick tests were performed using a panel of standardized allergen extracts, including individual tests for Asteraceae weed pollens, Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. elatior (common ragweed) and Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort). RESULTS: 447 patients with allergic rhinitis were enrolled, and 17.89% presented sensitization to at least one weed pollen. Ambrosia artemisiifolia is a prevalent source of weed aeroallergens involved in IgE-mediated sensitization. Patients with allergic rhinitis to common ragweed pollen tend to present more severe and more persistent forms of nasal allergy. CONCLUSIONS: Ragweed is a highly allergenic wind-pollinated weed species with a considerable spreading potential in many European regions, including the Romanian Plain. There is a significant Ambrosia pollen sensitization proportion in allergic rhinitis patients from this part of Southern Romania.