Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) in Southeastern Ontario: Determining prevalence and exploring risk factors
Authors
Ortega Santos, Martha Carolina
Date
2024-10-02
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
PFAS , Food Allergy , Pollen Allergy , Canada , Prevalence , Online Survey
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background: Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS) is a complex condition in pollen-allergic individuals caused by cross-reactivity with pollen proteins and food antigens; typically characterized by adverse oral reactions to fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Interestingly, not all pollen-allergic individuals develop PFAS. In Canada, the prevalence of PFAS remains to be elucidated and risk factors are yet to be established.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PFAS in a Canadian pollen-allergic population and explore any potential predictive factors of PFAS.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a pollen-allergic population predominantly located in Southeastern Ontario. The study involved an online self-reported survey regarding food allergy and seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR) symptoms and severity. Survey responses were matched to on-file pollen skin prick tests (SPT) for birch, timothy grass, and ragweed to confirm SAR status. These pollens are the most prevalent allergy-inducing pollens of each allergy season and thus, representative of each local allergy season. Statistical analyses were performed on SPSS.
Results: Of 194 participants with confirmed SAR, 158 (81.4%) were allergic to timothy grass,135 (69.6%) to ragweed, and 100 (51.5%) to birch. Among these pollen-allergic participants, 73 (37.6%) reported food allergies, of which 22 (11.3%) were determined to have highly probable PFAS. The most reported PFAS food triggers were kiwi (n=6, 27.3%), pineapple (n=6, 27.3%), peach (n=5, 22.8%), strawberry (n=5, 22.8%), and banana (n=418.2%). The mean age of participants with PFAS was 42.1 years (SEM 2.6) and those without was 43.7 years (SEM 0.9) (p=0.573). Total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) for each season were not significant between participants with PFAS and without [spring TNSS, p=0.637; summer TNSS, p=0.915; fall TNSS, p=0.752]. Male sex [odds ratio (OR), 1.03, p=0.950], urban areas [OR, 0.53; p=0.199], and pollen sensitization [p=0.793] were all found not to be significant risk factors for PFAS.
Conclusion: The prevalence of PFAS in this Canadian pollen-allergic cohort was found to be 11.3%. Of the PFAS risk factors explored—age, sex, area, pollen sensitization, and SAR symptom scores—none were statistically significant. Results suggest the need to explore biologic outcomes to assess PFAS risk further.
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International