D1.09 - Dynamics of pollen allergy in Ukraine during the full-scale invasion shows demand for diagnostics increased with changed sensitization patterns seen
Background
The war in Ukraine has significantly impacted allergic sensitization patterns due to environmental pollution, chronic stress, the ecologic impact of combat, and population migration.
Method
This study compared sensitization data from Vinnytsia region residents obtained in 2022-2023 versus 2020-2021 using the ALEX test, alongside airborne pollen monitoring data.
Results
The comparison between pre-war (2020-2021) and wartime (2022-2023) periods shows a significant increase in molecular allergy diagnostics demand. While data from only 108 patients were available in 2020-2021, in 2022-2023 data from 2,515 tested individuals were recorded, representing a 23.3-fold increase. The sensitization pattern changed dramatically: in 2020-2021, sensitivity to weeds was 22%, grasses 42%, and trees 36%. In 2022-2023, sensitization shifted to weeds in 31%, grasses in 18%, and trees in 51%, respectively. These changes may be attributed to both the development of population-level sensitivity to tree allergens and to altered sensitivity patterns due to migration to the Vinnytsia region of persons fleeing the regions to the east heavily impacted by war ground combat. Airborne pollen monitoring determined that in 2020-2021, weed pollen comprised 44% of total pollen, grasses 6%, and trees 50%. In 2022-2023, these proportions changed to weeds 32%, grasses 4%, and trees 64%, respectively.
Conclusion
Both ALEX test results and aerobiological studies indicate that tree pollen was the leading cause of allergic diseases and the primary pollen producer during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine . The proportion of individuals sensitive to tree pollen increased significantly during the war, while grass pollen sensitivity decreased. The war has negatively impacted public health by increasing the prevalence of allergic diseases, highlighting the need for improved pollen monitoring systems and better access to medical care for allergy patients.
