t73 Australian pine

Allergens within Tree Pollens

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  • Latin name: Casuarina equisetifolia
  • Family: Casuarinaceae
  • Source material: Pollen
A tree species producing large amounts of pollen, which may induce hayfever, asthma and conjunctivitis in sensitised individuals.

Allergen Exposure

Geographical distribution
Australian Pine tree is a Pine-like tree, with a large, rather untidy, greyish-green crown. What appear to be Pine needles are in fact short branches and these are distinguished from Pine needles in that the former are jointed with several nodes and internodes. The fruit resembles a small cone, about 2 cm long and oval.
An evergreen tree which occurs throughout Australia, India, Malaysia, the Pacific basin and parts of Africa. It grows on alkaline and neutral soils in central and southern Europe. Not to be confused with the Pine tree of the coniferous Pinus species.
 
This tree is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for shade, and for dune stabilisation.
 
Environment
A Spanish study showed that in that country the pollen season for Pine in general is relatively short. The pollen dispersion period occurs during October and November, There is a diurnal pattern, the most influential variables in its dispersion being temperature, sunshine, and rainfall (1).

Potential Cross-Reactivity

Cross-reactivity may be expected between other members of this distinctive family consisting of about 100 species of trees and shrubs(2). 

Clinical Experience

IgE mediated reactions
Asthma and rhinitis occur in sensitised individuals. Skin prick tests and in vitro tests in these patients have confirmed specific IgE to Australian Pine tree pollen in the serum (1).
 
Australian Pine pollen-specific IgE have been demonstrated in 6 of 14 (42%) subjects with a positive nasal challenge, and in 4 of 5 (80%) subjects with a positive bronchial challenge, confirming that Australian Pine pollen is an aeroallergen (3).

Compiled by Dr Harris Steinman, harris@zingsolutions.com

References:

    1. Garcia JJ, Trigo MM, Cabezudo B, Recio M, Vega JM, Barber D, Carmona MJ, Cervera JA, Toro FJ, Miranda A. Pollinosis due to Australian pine (Casuarina): an aerobiologic and clinical study in southern Spain. Allergy 1997;52(1):11-17  
    2. Yman L. Botanical relations and immunological cross-reactions in pollen allergy. 2nd ed. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB. Uppsala. Sweden. 1982: ISBN 91-970475-09  
    3. Bucholtz GA, Hensel AE 3rd, Lockey RF, Serbousek D, Wunderlin RP. Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) pollen as an aeroallergen. Ann Allergy 1987;59(1):52-6

2002



Further Reading