Allergen,Individual-Weed pollen SALTWORT ( Salsola kali / pestifer)_A0520

Also known by various terms such as common saltwort, prickly Russian thistle, tumbleweed, prickly saltwort, and Russian thistle, saltwort is a commonly grown weeds that are rich sources of pollen causing allergy to many people globally. Being an aeroallergen, inhalation of the Russian thistle pollens leads to allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma, rhino-conjunctivitis.

Sal k 1, a pectinmethylesterase, is the most well-characterized and the most potent allergen marker of Russian thistle pollen and is present in more than 50% of individuals prone to it. Other minor allergens include Sal k 2, a protein kinase homolog, Sal k 4, a profilin, and Sal k 5, which shows high cross-reactivity to Chenopodium album. It shows a high level of cross-reactivity with other members of the family Amaranthaceae and with other species like Olea, Kiwi fruit, Birch pollen, etc. Allergen immunotherapy with Russian thistle pollen extracts has proved to be an effective treatment option for allergic reactions caused by this pollen.

An allergy to Saltwort (Salsola kali / Pestifer) triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Associated Tests: Allergy - Adult (Comprehensive) Panel , Allergy Screening 

Written by : Supriya Kulkarni, Lead-Content & Training

Reviewed by : Dr. Alap Christry M.D. AVP-Lab Operations & Scientific Business Head-Clinical Chemistry