t19 Acacia

Allergens within Tree Pollens

Print Print icon Tell a friend Tell a friend icon
  • Latin name: Acacia longifolia
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Common names: Acacia, Wattle
  • Source material: Pollen
A tree species producing large amounts of pollen, which often induces hayfever, asthma and conjunctivitis in sensitised individuals.

Allergen Exposure

Geographical distribution
Acacias are a characteristic feature of dry regions in India and the African savannah, where they are called umbrella trees because of their shape.
These trees are native to Australia, Africa and North and South America. They have been introduced in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. A. melanoxylon is grown in large plantations in Australia, East and South Africa and Brazil, where it is harvested for use in tanning leather.
 
Acacia flowers in early spring.
 
Environment
Acacia is a large genus, covering more than 1000 species, many with thorns and spines. The trees are small, evergreen and fast growing. They are planted for ornament but also for stabilising dunes and eroded slopes.
 
Unexpected exposure
Acacia gum (Gum Arabic / Senegal gum / Sudan gum) (Rf297) is derived from this tree and may result in food allergy reactions (1) Acacia gum is the odourless, colourless, tasteless dried exudate from the stem of the acacia tree.
 
Acacia bark and wood are pregnant with oils and terpenes and are considered a source for occupational allergens, especially in the tanning industry. Acacia oil is used in the printing industry.

Potential Cross-Reactivity

Cross-reactivity between Acacia tree and rye grass pollen allergens has been described (2). Cross-reactivity between members of the legume family (Fabaceae) may be expected (3). 

Clinical Experience

IgE mediated reactions
Hayfever and asthma occur through exposure to pollen (4-6). Rhinitis and asthma have been described in wood workers exposed to acacia wood (7).
 
Compiled by Dr Harris Steinman, harris@zingsolutions.com

References:

    1. Fotisch K, Fah J, Wuthrich B, et al. IgE antibodies specific for carbohydrates in a patient allergic to gum arabic (Acacia senegal). Allergy 1998;53:1043-1051 
    2. Howlett BJ, Hill DJ, Knox RB. Cross-reactivity between Acacia (wattle) and rye grass pollen allergens. Detection of allergens in Acacia (wattle) pollen. Clin Allergy 1982 May;12(3):259-268
    3. Yman L. Botanical relations and immunological cross-reactions in pollen allergy. 2nd ed. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB. Uppsala. Sweden. 1982: ISBN 91-970475-09
    4. Pumhirun P, Towiwat P, Mahakit P. Aeroallergen sensitivity of Thai patients with allergic rhinitis. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 1997;15(4):183-5
    5. Suliaman FA, Holmes WF, Kwick S, Khouri F, Ratard R. Pattern of immediate type hypersensitivity reactions in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.  Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997;78(4):415-8
    6. Bousquet J, Cour P, Guerin B, Michel FB. Allergy in the Mediterranean area. I. Pollen counts and pollinosis of Montpellier. Clin Allergy 1984 May;14(3):249-258
    7. De Zotti R, Gubian F. Asthma and rhinitis in wooding workers. Allergy Asthma Proc 1996;17(4):199-203

2002



Further Reading