Aspects of sensitization to major allergenic molecules of Ambrosia and Artemisia

Abstract

Background. Ambrosia artemisiifolia is an invasive plant from the Asteraceae family, with 22 described allergenic molecules. A single plant can produce billions of pollen grains during peak season, frequently triggering allergic rhinitis. Amb a1 is considered the major allergen and sensitizes 95% of affected patients. Objective(s). To analyze the characteristics of sensitization to the major allergens of Ambrosia artemisiifolia – Amb a1 and Artemisia vulgaris – Art v1 in patients examined at the allergology outpatient clinic. Materials and methods. A retrospective study was conducted, that included 751 patients who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and were evaluated at the allergology outpatient clinic between 2020 and 2025. Sensitization to the pollen of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Artemisia vulgaris has been assessed by using multiplex molecular allergy testing. Results. Of the 751 patients, 52.2% were male and 47.8% female, the mean age was 21.5 years. Sensitization to ambrosia pollen was found in 24.1% patients (group 1–10.43%, gr. 2 – 37.36%, gr. 3–41.20%, gr. 4–7.14%, gr. 5–0.5%), Amb a1 pectate lyase 24.1% (gr. 1–7.2%, gr. 2–32%, gr. 3–31.5%, gr. 4–23.2%, gr. 5–2.7%), Amb a4 defensin 9.18% (gr. 0–4.3%, gr. 1–7.2%, gr. 2–23.2%, gr. 3–42%, gr. 4–21.7%, gr. 5–1.4%), Artemisia 11.2% (gr. 1–16.6%, gr. 2–38%, gr. 3–35.7%, gr. 4–2.4%), Art v1 defensin 12.38% (gr. 1–7.52%, gr. 2–32.3%, gr. 3–35.5%, gr. 4–18.3%), Art v3 LTP 3.6% (gr. 1–11%, gr. 2–40.7%, gr. 3–22.2%, gr. 4–14.8%, gr. 5–3.7%). Conclusion(s). In the Republic of Moldova, Ambrosia and Artemisia pollen represent major sensitization sources for patients with respiratory allergic diseases. Sensitization to the major allergens Amb a1 and Art v1 triggers hypersensitivity reactions in most individuals sensitized to weed pollen.