D1.65 - Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome in Patients with Quercus ilex Sensitization in the Population of Madrid

In recent years, an increase in sensitization to Quercus ilex pollen has been observed among pollen-allergic patients in Madrid. Furthermore, Que i 1 has been identified as a major allergen of Q. ilex and is associated with Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS) in patients sensitized to PR10 allergens but not exposed to birch pollen. PFAS is characterized by mild, localized oral and pharyngeal symptoms. The allergens implicated are diverse and include panallergens such as PR10, profilin, and lipid transfer proteins, among others.This study aimed to evaluate the association between sensitization to Q. ilex and other spring pollens and the presence of PFAS (banana, apple, peach, melon and peanut) in both pediatric and adult populations in Madrid.

A prospective observational study was conducted involving pediatric and adult patients presenting with respiratory symptoms suggestive of allergic disease (rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma) for the first time at the Allergy Department of La Paz University Hospital. Sensitization profiles were assessed via skin prick tests (SPTs), with positive results defined as a mean wheal diameter exceeding 3 mm. Clinical data on allergic symptoms triggered by various fruits were also collected.

A total of 100 pediatric and 100 adult patients were included. All patients were polysensitized. The most frequent sensitization profiles were grasses (49% and 58%, respectively), followed by Olea europaea (46% and 63%) and Platanus acerifolia pollen (34.7% and 46%). Sensitization to Q. ilex was found in 25% of pediatric and 43% of adult patients. PFAS symptoms were reported in 9% of children and 19% of adults. Sensitization to Q. ilex was significantly associated with the presence of PFAS in both pediatric and adult populations (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0258, respectively). In contrast, sensitization to P. acerifolia was significantly associated with PFAS only in pediatric patients (p = 0.0077). Sensitization to grasses and O. europaea showed no significant association with PFAS in either group. Summarized results are presented in Table 1.

Although grasses and Olea europaea were the most frequent pollen sensitizers in our cohort, Quercus ilex was the only pollen significantly associated with PFAS in both pediatric and adult populations.