Comparative aeropalynology of two communities in Lagos State, southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Pollen allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system to certain pollen grains and these reactions are gradually on the increase all around the world. The need for consistent and accurate data on aero-pollen density as well as the meteorological conditions under which they are prevalent is imperative for appropriate management of allergic conditions in hypersensitive persons. Therefore, to identify the ‘culprit' pollen related to allergy cases in Lagos, two locations, Ipaja and Ikeja were sampled. Aero-samplers were harvested weekly from February 2016 to July 2016. On the samples collected, meteorological data and clinical data were assessed against pollen counts. A total of 2,048 pollen count was recorded for Ipaja while Ikeja had 820 with main taxa being Amaranthaceae, Poaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Weekly pollen counts were highest in weeks 8 and 10 (April) at Ipaja and Ikeja respectively and lowest in weeks 22 and 24 (June) at Ipaja and Ikeja respectively. Temperature positively correlated with pollen sum at Ipaja, relative humidity and wind speed correlated negatively with pollen sum while a positive correlation existed between pollen density, cold and catarrh at both locations though not statistically significant. Poaceae, Amaranthaceae and Alchornea cordifolia have been confirmed to be allergenic, therefore hypersensitive individuals are to be informed to take precautions at preseason of the pollen peaks (just before weeks 8 and 10). A year or two years sampling is however needed to generate a more comprehensive data. This is the first record of weekly aerobiological data in Nigeria.