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Investigates whether the exposure of Israeli Arab population to olive pollen affects the prevalence of sensitization to olive in patients with respiratory allergies. Prevalence of positive skin prick tests to olive pollen; Genomic typing of HLA class II antigens; Pattern of immunoglobulin E production.

The incidence of skin-tested sensitivity to olive pollen allergens among subjects with suspected atopic respiratory allergy was investigated in various populations of Israelis. This incidence was correlated with the olive cultivars, with the abundance of trees in the patient's neighborhoods, and with the history of exposure of the studied populations to olive pollen. Positive skin reactions to olive pollen, among atopic patients of the Jewish population, is rather high where olive trees are abundant (66%), and lower (29%) where trees are scarce (P < 0.003). Sensitization was significantly lower (P < 0.003) among a population of Israeli atopic Arabs (16%), though these Arabs have lived in an olive-rich area for several generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cypresses are part of the Israeli landscape, as well as they are over most of the Mediterranian area. Pollen dispersal starts in January and peaks in March-April. Assessment of hay-fever patients showed a prevalence of 24%-32% (depending on the region) sensitization to Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) pollen extracts. 13% of all those who are sensitive to Cypress were monosensitized. They are symptomatic from February till April, when 70% of them have rhinitis, 30% also asthma and 18% conjunctivitis. In the monosensitized patients, anti-cypress immunotherapy was successful.

The incidence of skin-tested sensitivity to olive pollen allergens among subjects with suspected atopic respiratory allergy was investigated in various populations of Israelis. This incidence was correlated with the olive cultivars, with the abundance of trees in the patient's neighborhoods, and with the history of exposure of the studied populations to olive pollen. Positive skin reactions to olive pollen, among atopic patients of the Jewish population, is rather high where olive trees are abundant (66%), and lower (29%) where trees are scarce (P < 0.003). Sensitization was significantly lower (P < 0.003) among a population of Israeli atopic Arabs (16%), though these Arabs have lived in an olive-rich area for several generations.