ALLERGEN - COMMON SILVER BIRCH (BETULA VERRUCOSA)

Overview

One of the most common tree type pollens found in Central and Northern Europe is the pollen from the birch tree of Betulaceae family. Birch pollens are one of the key causes of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Molecular and biochemical characterization of birch has reported 7 allergen components including a major allergen Bet v 1 and minor allergens Bet v 2, Bet v 3, Bet v 4, Bet v 6, Bet v 7, Bet v 8.which can bind with immunoglobulin E (IgE). The birch pollen allergen shows cross-reactivity with birch homologous group (alder, oak hornbeam, chestnut, and beech) and plant driven allergens homologs to Bet v 1. Currently, allergen immunotherapy is the safest route to therapy.