A feasibility study for a monitoring system that charts airborne pollen taxa and pollen-related allergies

Abstract

Allergies caused by pollen are known to be prevalent in the Mediterranean area (D'Amato, 1988). Malta, situated in the center of the Mediterranean region, experiences high rates of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma, especially in children (ENHIS, 2007); both conditions are known to be caused by allergens found in pollen and spores. Currently, there is no setup for continuous pollen and spore monitoring; such a monitoring system would help shed light on possible causes of the main allergies recorded nationally, which include asthma and hay-fever. This study explores the feasibility of setting up a system to correlate aerobiology results to sales in allergic medicines. This was undertaken by looking at the relationship between recorded seasonal datasets of medicine provided by the government, monthly and weekly data sets from a private pharmacy and pollen/spore concentrations recorded over two weeks from 8th February, 2017 until 22nd February, 2017. Furthermore, comparison with the recorded weather conditions of the same two weeks was also undertaken. Simple bar charts were produced from the obtained medicinal and weather data sets in order to show significant peaks relating to pollen seasons. Additionally, by setting up a Burkard trap on the roof of the Rural Sciences Building of the University of Malta, pollen and spore samples were gathered and counted in a laboratory by means of microscopy. The pollen and spore counts was compiled and the concentration per m³ was calculated. These numbers were then plotted in order to produce four bar charts showing the pollen and spore concentrations for the two weeks under study. The findings of this study suggest that a project such as this is feasible, as long as the related entities are willing to share their data regularly and sufficient human resources are available for the collection and counting process. This work also acts as a basis and an opening for several opportunities for future studies related specifically to the most significant pollen and spore types such as Urticaceae and Alternaria. Patient Pollen Diaries could also be used with the aim to improve allergy treatment and prevention management.