Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is the most important seasonal allergen in the Black Sea Region.

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma are respiratory tract diseases predominantly triggered by allergens such as pollens, house dust mite, mold etc. The prevalence of respiratory allergens varies according to geographic location. Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), a prevalent weed particularly in South America and Europe, is being investigated for its sensitization frequency in the Black Sea region of our country. This study aims to evaluate ragweed and other allergens associated with respiratory allergic diseases in this region and determine their disease frequency.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma who attended the Immunology and Allergy outpatient clinic at Samsun Training and Research Hospital between 2017 and 2024. Data from 3,000 diagnosed patients were examined.

RESULTS

Of the 3,000 patients, 2,124 (70%) were female and 876 (30%) were male. All patients were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, while conjunctivitis was observed in 2,300 patients (76%), and asthma was diagnosed in 1,382 patients (46.6%). The most frequently detected allergen was house dust mite (75%). Ragweed pollen was identified as the most common cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis (15%). Moreover, ragweed pollen was found to be the allergen associated with the highest risk of asthma development (p-value: 6.69 × 10-52).

CONCLUSION

Ragweed pollen allergy is common in our region, and the allergenicity load is high. The sensitization rate may increase over time. If the prevalence is determined accurately, appropriate preventive measures and treatments can be developed.