clear search
Search
Search Suggestions
Recent searches Clear History
Allergy & Autoimmune Disease
Allergy Solutions
ImmunoCAP Allergy Solutions
The gold standard in in-vitro allergy diagnostics with more than 500 whole allergens and allergen mixes.
Allergen Components
Food Allergies
Interpretation Guides
Respiratory Allergies
Product Catalog
Specific IgE tests
Autoimmunity Solutions
EliA Autoimmunity Solutions
A high specificity and high sensitivity portfolio of more than 50 clinically relevant tests for autoimmune diseases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Connective Tissue Diseases
Celiac Disease
Thyroid Diseases
Vasculitis and Goodpasture Syndrome
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Pernicious Anemia
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Liver Diseases
Product Catalog
Systems
Phadia Laboratory Systems
Fully automated and scalable instruments to optimize allergy and autoimmune workflow.
Phadia 250
Phadia 1000
Phadia 2500
Phadia 5000
Helios Automated IFA System
Phadia Prime
Additional Services
Product Catalog
Resources
Center for Knowledge
Training, education, and service material for autoimmune and allergy testing.
Allergen Encyclopedia
ImmunoCAST Podcast
ImmunoSpotlight
Lab Ordering Guide
Lab Training
Library
On-Demand Education
PiRL
Quick Draw Newsletter
Service & Support
Special Allergen Service
Thermo Fisher Scientific
visit thermofisher.com
Talk with Us

Whole Allergen

t19 Acacia Pollen

t19 Acacia Pollen Scientific Information

Type:

Whole Allergen

Display Name:

Acacia Pollen

Route of Exposure:

Inhalation

Family:

Fabaceae

Species:

Acacia longifolia

Latin Name:

Acacia longifolia

Other Names:

Acacia tree, Acacia Trinervis, Aroma Doble, Coast Wattle, Golden Wattle, Long-Leaved Wattle, Port Jackson, Sallow Wattle, Sydney, Acacia, Sydney Golden Wattle, White sallow

Summary

Acacia longifolia belonging to the Fabaceae family is a small perennial tree, which is considered an invasive species due to its high seed-producing capability. Its flowering period usually falls during the end of the winter. This tree is native to Africa and Australia and is commonly cultivated globally in sub-tropical regions. This tree is prevalent in Australia, Africa, Arab countries, Malaysia, Africa, Brazil, United States, and Spain. Exposure to A. longifolia can manifest conditions like rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma among allergic individuals. To date, no potential allergens have been identified from A. longifolia. Studies have demonstrated cross-reactivity of Acacia sp. pollen with Salsola kali, Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Kochia scoparia, mesquite, date, and ryegrass pollen.

Allergen

Nature

A. longifolia  is an invasive (1) shrub or a small tree with a height ranging between 2 to 7 meters. The bark of this tree is greyish with smooth or shallow cracks. They usually possess phyllodes rather than leaves, which are flat, hairless, oblanceolate, or linear-lanceolate with a length of 8 to 20 cm and a width of 1 to 2.5 cm. The flowers of this tree are yellow and have a cylinder-shaped brush head. This tree's fruit is cylinder-shaped (straight or bent), squeezed among the seeds, and has a curvilinear beak (2). Acacia sp. creates seed in abundant quantities, which is the primary reason for its widespread invasiveness. The flowering season for this tree generally occurs by the end of the winter (1).  A. longifolia was utilized as sand dune stabilizer in countries like South Africa and Portugal. The wood from Acacia sp. (Australian wattle species) is usually used to produce timber, pulpwood products, and tannin  (3).

Habitat

A. longfolia is extensively cultivated in the sub-tropical regions worldwide (2). It can grow in heath and sclerophyll forests, sediment-delta region, sand dunes, riparian zones (2), wastelands, and scrublands (3). In some areas, such as Australia and New Zealand, it is distributed in the wide coastal habitats. This tree is prevalent in areas receiving more than 800 mm of rainfall yearly and with a mean maximum annual temperature not more than 22º C (3). 

Taxonomy

A. longifolia belongs to the Fabaceae family and Acacia genus, which contains around 1200 species that have mostly originated from Africa and Australia. This tree belongs to the Mimosoideae subfamily of the Fabaceae (pea family). A. sophorae is another important species from this genus, which is cultivated in New Zealand along with A. longfolia (3).

Taxonomic tree of Acacia longifolia (4)
Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Spermatophyta
Subphylum Angiospermae
Class Dicotyledonae 
Order Fabales
Family Fabaceae
Genus Acacia
Species Acacia longifolia
Taxonomic tree of Acacia longifolia (4)

Tissue

According to a study, the size (diameter) of the Australian Acacia sp. pollen ranges between 30 to 70 µm  (1). A. longifolia Willd. pollen possesses pollen unit (polyad) of 52.7 to 55.65 μm in size. Each grain is comprised of a 3-pored aperture and a 1.9 μm thick outer layer (exine) with faint depression-like features (foveolate) over the surface (5).

To date, no allergenic protein has been identified from Acacia tree pollen in the IUIS database (6).

Epidemiology

Worldwide distribution

Around 40% of allergic individuals are speculated to be impacted by allergies due to pollen. Tree pollinosis is one of the causes of increasing health issues worldwide, especially in arid and subtropical areas. As per studies, around 48% of pollinosis patients belonging to Arab countries were claimed to possess sensitization towards Acacia (wattle) tree pollen (7).

48.2% of individuals suffering from allergic rhinitis (n = 299) in Ahwaz reported positive skin prick test (SPT) towards A. longifolia pollen extract (8).

A study was conducted on 200 Malaysian asthmatic patients to analyze whether pollen allergy is associated with the prevalence of pollen in the air. A total of 21.5 % of patients exhibited positive SPT towards Acacia pollen extract (9).

A cross-sectional study conducted in Australia on 380 school children (with or without asthma) reported positive SPT towards A. longifolia in 12.4% (12/97) of children with asthma and 3.7% (4/107) in healthy children (10).

A United Arab Emirates (UAE) based study was conducted on 327 patients with ophthalmologic, dermatologic, and respiratory disease (speculated of allergic origin). The study reported 44% of patients to possess a positive family history of asthma. Acacia pollen allergen was claimed to be responsible for exhibiting positive SPT in 25.6% of the study population (11).

Risk factors

As per a study, a 56-year old female worker, while working majorily with wood from Acacia sp., reported persistent coughing and nocturnal dyspnea (for 3 years). The patient developed prolonged biphasic bronchospasm within 60 minutes of exposure to acacia. Prick test report was found to be positive in this patient for acacia wood.  (12).

In certain Mediterranean regions of France and Italy, pollen from mimosa (Acacia floribunda) belonging to the genus Acacia is claimed to be responsible for respiratory allergy. The study reported that 31% (33/106) of floriculturists showed positive SPT towards Acacia floribunda (mimosa) (13). 

Environmental Characteristics

Worldwide distribution

As per study, the Acacia species basically originated from Australia and Africa. Further, this species (A. longifolia) has been introduced and cultivated in the countries such as Portugal, La Réunion, Mauritius, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Java, India, Spain, Uruguay, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Dominican Republic, and the United States (3).

According to aerobiological surveys, the presence of acacia pollen was reported in countries like Italy, Jordan, and South America (1).

Route of Exposure

Main

The route of exposure for acacia pollen allergen is through the inhalation (14).

Secondary

Gum acacia is a derivative of the acacia senegal tree and is extensively used in lithography, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products. Gum acacia has been claimed to induce asthma upon occupational exposure, and in rare cases, its ingestion may trigger allergic symptoms (15).

Clinical Relevance

Exposure to A. longifolia pollen may elicit symptoms such as allergic rhinitis (16), conjunctivitis (17), and asthma (11) among allergic individuals. According to a study, nasal obstruction was evident among patients with allergic rhinitis. This condition might adversely impact the allergic individuals by compromising the quality of life and sleep while creating an imbalance in their daily life activities (like studying, exercising, and working) (16). Asthma and allergic diseases induced by tree pollens can cause recurrent hospitalization and absence from school among children (18).   

Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (ARC)

A population-based case-control study was conducted in Central Africa (Rwanda) among 3041 children to estimate the prevalence of vernal kerato-conjunctivitis (VKC). The prevalence of VKC was found to be around 4% (121/3041), and severe VKC was evident in 32.2% (39/121) of children with VKC. The study revealed that 11.9% showed positive SPT and 20.3% exhibited specific positive IgE concentration towards Acacia (17).

Allergic rhinitis (AR)

According to an Australia based cross-sectional study conducted on 380 school children from suburban and rural region, 12.4% (12/97) within the asthmatic group and 3.7% (4/107) from the healthy children group demonstrated positive SPT response towards Acacia (A. longifolia). Non-significant differences in severity (p= 0.16) were evident, and the tail value from Fisher’s Exact test was reported to be 0.568 for positive SPT towards Acacia among the groups (sub-urban and rural region) (10).

A study was conducted on 206 Malaysian asthmatic patients with and without rhinitis to investigate common aeroallergens' prevalence through SPT. A total of 9.9% (11/111) reported positive SPT towards the Acacia sp. within the rhinitis group (14).

Prevention and Therapy

Prevention strategies

Avoidance

One of the main measures to be taken is to cut down the amount of pollen in the respiratory system. During pollen season, allergic patients are suggested to stay indoors or wear a mask outdoors to keep away from pollen allergens. In worsening conditions, patients may be advised to move to a non-pollen area (19).

Molecular Aspects

Allergenic molecules

Two allergenic protein molecules with a molecular weight of 66 kDa and 85 kDa have been identified through the immunoblotting assay from Acacia pollen extract (20).

In-vitro murine study model has demonstrated that protease enzymes from A. longifolia pollen can detach respiratory epithelial cells. Further, this protease-mediated disruption of the epithelial cell lining followed by pollen deposition on the mucosal surface leads to sensitization and inflammation  (2).

Cross-reactivity

Immunoblot inhibition assays confirmed IgE cross-reactivity of Acacia (A. farnesiana) with Salsola kali, Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Kochia scoparia, and Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) (20).

Cross-reactivity between Australian Acacia sp. and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was evident  (21).

A study demonstrated A. longifolia (Sydney Golden Wattle) pollen to be cross-reactive with date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen (22). 

Compiled By

Author: Turacoz Healthcare Solutions

Reviewer: Dr. Fabio Iachetti

 

Last reviewed: January 2021

References
  1. Giovanetti M, Ramos M, Máguas C. Why so many flowers? A preliminary assessment of mixed pollination strategy enhancing sexual reproduction of the invasive Acacia longifolia in Portugal. Web Ecol. 2018;18(1):47-54.
  2. Lim T. Acacia longifolia. 2014. p. 738-42.
  3. Hill R, Conservancy N. Prospects for the biological control of Sydney golden Wattle, Acacia longifolia, using Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae and Melanterius ventralis. Landcare research contract report LCO506/009 Landcare Research New Zealand, Lincoln, New Zealand. 2005.
  4. CABI. Acacia longifolia 2019 [04-01-2021]. Available from: https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/17105.
  5. R. Kalpana Devi, N.V. Rajesh, Kumari RG. PALYNOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SELECTED EIGHT SPECIES OF ACACIA, Willd IN SOUTH INDIA. Rom J Biol-Plant Biol. 2013;58(1):69-77.
  6. WHO/IUIS. Acacia Longifolia 2020 [04-01-2021]. Available from: http://www.allergen.org/search.php?allergenname=&allergensource=acacia+longifolia&TaxSource=&TaxOrder=&foodallerg=all&bioname=.
  7. Asam C, Hofer H, Wolf M, Aglas L, Wallner M. Tree pollen allergens—an update from a molecular perspective. Allergy. 2015;70(10):1201-11.
  8. Assarehzadegan MA, Shakurnia A, Amini A. The most common aeroallergens in a tropical region in Southwestern Iran. World Allergy Organ J. 2013;6(1):7.
  9. Sam CK, Kesavan P, Liam CK, Soon SC, Lim AL, Ong EK. A study of pollen prevalence in relation to pollen allergy in Malaysian asthmatics. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 1998;16(1):1-4.
  10. Gibbs JEM. Eucalyptus Pollen Allergy and Asthma in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in South-East Queensland, Australia. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(5):e0126506.
  11. Bener A, Safa W, Abdulhalik S, Lestringant GG. An analysis of skin prick test reactions in asthmatics in a hot climate and desert environment. Allerg Immunol (Paris). 2002;34(8):281-6.
  12. De Zotti R, Gubian F. Asthma and rhinitis in wooding workers. Allergy Asthma Proc. 1996;17(4):199-203.
  13. Ariano R, Panzani R, Amedeo J. Pollen allergy to mimosa (Acacia floribunda) in a Mediterranean area: an occupational disease. 1991.
  14. Liam C-K, Loo K-L, Wong C, Lim K-H, Lee T-C. Skin prick test reactivity to common aeroallergens in asthmatic patients with and without rhinitis. Respirology (Carlton, Vic). 2002;7:345-50.
  15. Viinanen A, Salokannel M, Lammintausta K. Gum Arabic as a Cause of Occupational Allergy. Journal of allergy. 2011;2011:841508.
  16. Liang KL, Su MC, Shiao JY, Wu SH, Li YH, Jiang RS. Role of pollen allergy in Taiwanese patients with allergic rhinitis. J Formos Med Assoc. 2010;109(12):879-85.
  17. Smedt SD, Nkurikiye J, Fonteyne Y, Hogewoning A, Esbroeck MV, Bacquer DD, et al. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis in school children in Rwanda and its association with socio-economic status: a population-based survey. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011;85(4):711-7.
  18. Dalkan C, Galip N, Tekguc H, Cobanoglu N, Bahceciler N. High prevalence of allergy in North Cypriot children. Paediatr Int Child Health. 2014;34(1):37-42.
  19. Xie Z-J, Guan K, Yin J. Advances in the clinical and mechanism research of pollen induced seasonal allergic Asthma. American journal of clinical and experimental immunology. 2019;8(1):1.
  20. Shamsbiranvand MH, Khodadadi A, Assarehzadegan MA, Borsi SH, Amini A. Immunochemical characterization of acacia pollen allergens and evaluation of cross-reactivity pattern with the common allergenic pollens. J Allergy (Cairo). 2014;2014:409056.
  21. Howlett BJ, Hill DJ, Knox RB. Cross-reactivity between Acacia (wattle) and rye grass pollen allergens. Detection of allergens in Acacia (wattle) pollen. Clin Allergy. 1982;12(3):259-68.
  22. Kwaasi AA, Harfi HA, Parhar RS, Saleh S, Collison KS, Panzani RC, et al. Cross-reactivities between date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) polypeptides and foods implicated in the oral allergy syndrome. Allergy. 2002;57(6):508-18.