Investigation of the Involvement of Echium plantagineum (Paterson's Curse) in Seasonal Allergy

Abstract

The possible allergenicity of an insect pollinated weed, E. plantagineum, was investigated in a rural area of Australia. Human subjects (61) with respiratory allergy were studied. Positive skin test reactions to defatted NH4HCO3 extract of pollen were found in over 60% of subjects, and positive RAST [radioallergosorbent test] tests in a similar number. The question of cross-reactivity between weed pollens is discussed. The pollen of E. plantagineum reached the atmosphere in significant amounts about 1 mo. before the peak grass pollinating period. Evidence that the pollen of E. plantagineum becomes airborne and elicits an IgE response suggests that further attention should be directed to weed pollens as potential allergens.