SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHICS AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF AIRBORNE POLLEN AND SPORES IN IBADAN METROPOLIS, SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Aeropalynology, allergy, health, demographics, meteorology, IbadanAbstract
Airborne pollen and spores of certain plants elicit allergic reactions in hypersensitive humans. These allergic reactions cause health and socioeconomic problems for nations. To evaluate the effects of these aeropalynomorphs, an aeropalynological study was conducted with a demographic survey in the metropolis of Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria, from November 2012 to February 2013, in three strategic locations. Demographic variables evaluated were the gender, allergic responses, location of respondents, season of occurrences of symptoms, sources and choices of relief from allergies. Collected aerosamples were palynologically treated using Erdtman (1969) acetolysis method. Pollen counts were integrated with weather parameters and clinical data. Pre-tested and validated questionnaires and oral interview approaches were adopted among inhabitants for the demographic survey. Clinical data were sourced from local hospitals and pharmacy outlets. The symptoms of allergies experienced by respondents included catarrh, runny nose, eye, and skin itching. Out of all the symptoms, catarrh was the most prevalent, followed by eye itching. The highest percentage of sufferers of recorded symptoms prefer local drug stores known as ‘chemists’ to prescriptions by medical doctors or pharmacists. The results also showed that symptoms are not gender-specific. High frequency and severity of cases occurred during the drier and harmattan periods, which coincided with the highest pollen counts. Notable allergenic pollen of interest include Poaceae (Zea mays), Asteraceae, Anacardiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae (Alchornea cordifolia), as well as Fungal spores. This work documents the first combined approach of demography, meteorological parameters, and aeropalynology in a palynological research study in Nigeria.
References
1. Accordini, S., Corsico, A., Cerveri, I., Gislason, D., Gulsvik, A., Janson, C., Jarvis, D., Marcon, A., Pin, I., Vermeire, P., Almar, E., Bugiani, M., Cazzoletti, L., Duran-Tauleria, E., Jõgi, R., Marinoni, A., Martínez-Moratalla, J., Leynaert, B., & De Marco, R. (2008). The socio-economic burden of asthma is substantial in Europe. Allergy, 63(1), 116–124. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01521.x
2. Adekanmbi, O., & Ogundipe, O. (2010). Aeropalynological studies of the University of Lagos Nigeria. Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 2(4), 34–39. https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb245393
3. Adekanmbi, O. H., Alebiosu, O. S., & Ajikah, L. B. (2017). A survey of atmospheric palynomorphs in relation to weather and vegetation at selected study sites in South Southern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Botany, 30(2), 153–169.
4. Adeniyi, T. A., Adeonipekun, P. A., Olowokudejo, J. D., & Akande, S. I. (2014). Airborne pollen records of Shomolu Local Government Area in Lagos State. Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 6(4), 428–432. https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb649355
5. Adeniyi, T. A., Adeonipekun, P. A., Olowokudejo, J. D., & Akande, S. I. (2017). Allergenicity of dominant aeropollen in Nigeria. Part 1. Current Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 30(4), 264–269.
6. Adeniyi, T. A., Adeonipekun, P. A., Olowokudejo, J. D., & Akande, S. I. (2018). Allergenicity of dominant aeropollen in Nigeria. Part 11. Current Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 31(3), 178–183.
7. Adeonipekun, P. A. (2012). Comparative aeropalynology of Ota, Nigeria. Journal of Ecology and the Natural Environment, 4(12), 314–320. https://doi.org/10.5897/JENE12.031
8. Adeonipekun, P. A., & John, M. (2011). Palynological investigation of haze dust in Ayetoro-Ota, south-west, Nigeria. Journal of Ecology and the Natural Environment, 3(14), 455–460. https://doi.org/10.5897/JENE11.082
9. Adeonipekun, A. P., & Olowokudejo, J. D. (2012). Pollen rain at offshore locations in the eastern Niger delta, implications on geologic sedimentation, vegetation reconstruction and allergy-A preliminary study. Global Journal of Science Frontier Research Biological Science, 12(5), 27–33.
10. Agwu, C. O. C. (2001). A study of Niger Delta environment through airborne palynomorphs. African Palaeoecology, 27, 191–205.
11. Agwu, C. O. C., & Okeke, G. I. (1997). Pollen analytical and thin-layer chromatographic study of honey from three savanna zones of Northern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Botany, 10, 25–36.
12. Agwu, C. O. C., & Osibe, E. E. (1992). Airborne palynomorphs of Nsukka during the months of february-April 1990. Nigerian Journal of Botany, 5, 177–185.
13. Agwu, C. O. C., Njokuacha, R. C., & Mezue, O. (2004). The study of airborne pollen and spores circulating at “Head Level” in Nsukka environment. Bio-Research, 2(2), 7–14.
14. Ajikah, L., Ogundipe, O. T., & Bamgboye, O. (2015). Palynological survey of airborne pollen and spores in the University of Lagos, Akoka campus, South-western Nigeria. Ife Journal of Science, 17(3), 643–655.
15. Ajikah, L. B., Alebiosu, O. S., Adekanmbi, O. H., Oshinlaja, E. O., & Ogundipe, O. T. (2017). Aeropalynological investigation of three local governments in Lagos, South West Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Botany, 30(7), 107–118.
16. Ajikah, L. B., Neumann, F. H., Alebiosu, O. S., & Ogundipe, O. T. (2021). Relevance of aerobiological studies in Nigeria: a two-year aerospora record of Lagos. Aerobiologia, 37, 597–613. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-021-09710-x
17. Alebiosu, O. S., & Adekanmbi, O. H. (2022). Aerofloral studies and allergenicity of dominant pollen types in Taraba and Bauchi States of Northeastern Nigeria. Science of The Total Environment, 845, 157076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157076
18. Alebiosu, O. S., Adekanmbi, O. H., Nodza, G. I., & Ogundipe, O. T. (2017). Aeropalynological study of two selected locations in North-Central Nigeria. Aerobiologia, 34(2), 187–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-017-9506-2
19. Al-Qura’n, S. (2008). Analysis of airborne pollen falls in Tafileh, Jordan. World Applied Sciences Journal, 4(5), 730–735.
20. Asher, M. I., Montefort, S., Bjorksten, B., Lai, C. K., Strachan, D. P., Weiland, S. K., & Williams, H. (2006). Worldwide time trends in the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in childhood: ISAAC Phases One and Three repeat multicountry cross sectional surveys. The Lancet, 368(9537), 733–743. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69283-0
21. Banik, S., & Chanda, S. (1992). Airborne pollen survey of Central Calcutta, India in relation to allergy. Grana, 31(1), 73–75.
22. Bartra, J., Sastre, J., del Cuvillo, A., Montoro, J., Jáuregui, I., Dávila, I., Ferrer, M., Mullol, J., & Valero, A. (2009). From pollinosis to digestive allergy. Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology, 19(1), 3–10.
23. Businco, L., Marchetti, L., Clementini, F., & Bordignon, C. (2018). Alternaria mold allergy: From diagnosis to therapy. Current Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 31(4), 239–244.
24. Collins Maps. (2012).
25. Dales, R., Cakmak, S., Judek, S., Dann, T., Coates, F., & Brook, J. R. (2003). The role of fungal spores in thunderstorm asthma. Chest, 123(3), 745–750. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.123.3.745
26. D’Amato, G. (2007). Pollen Allergy in Europe. The UCB Institute of Allergy.
27. D’Amato, G., Cecchi, L., & Annesi-Maesano, I. (2012). A trans-disciplinary overview of case reports of thunderstorms-related asthma outbreaks and relapse. European Respiratory Review, 21(124), 82–87. https://doi.org/10.1183/09059180.00000712
28. D’Amato, G., Cecchi, L., Bonini, S., Nunes, C., Annesi-Maesano, I., Behrendt, H., Liccardi, G., Popov, T., & Vancauwenberge, P. (2007). Allergenic pollen and pollen allergy in Europe. Allergy, 62(9), 976–990. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01460.x
29. D’Amato, G., Liccardi, G., & Frenguelli, G. (2007). Thunderstorms-asthma and pollen allergy. Allergy, 62(1), 11–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01254.x
30. Druce, H. M., Middleton, E. M., Jr., Reed, C. E., Ellis, E. F., Adkinson, N. F. Jr., Yungiger, J. W., & Busser, W. W. (Eds.). (1998). Allergy: Principle and Practise (5th ed.). Mosby Year-Book.
31. Dales, R., Cakmak, S., Judek, S., Dann, T., Coates, F., & Brook, J. R. (2003). The role of fungal spores in thunderstorm asthma. Chest, 123(3), 745–750. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.123.3.745 (Note: This appears to be a duplicate of #25.)
32. Erdtman, G. (1969). Handbook of palynology. An introduction to the study of pollen grains and spores. Munksgaard, Copenhagen.
33. Essien, B. C., & Ige, O. E. (2019). Comparative study of dominant aeropollen and Allergy-Related cases in Akoko Environment, Ondo state, Nigeria. European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.24018/ejmed.2019.1.2.41
34. Faegri, K., & Iversen, J. (1989). Textbook of pollen analysis. John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
35. Fourchard, L. (2003). The case of Ibadan, Nigeria: Urban slums report.
36. Guerra, S., Sherill, D. L., Martinez, F. D., & Barbee, R. A. (2002). Rhinitis as an independent risk factor for adult-onset asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 109(3), 419–425. https://doi.org/10.1067/mai.2002.121707
37. Haberal, I., & Corey, J. P. (2003). The role of leukotrienes in nasal allergy. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 129(3), 274–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0194-5998(03)00497-6
38. Heinrich, J., Richter, K., Fryer, C., Meyer, I., Wolke, G., Wjst, M., Nowak, D., & Magnussen, H. E. (2002). European Community Respiratory Health survey in Adults (ECHRH). Pneumologie, 56(5), 297–303. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2002-31633
39. Hong, C. G., Kim, J. H., Jeong, Y. W., & Hong, K. S. (2023). Annual change in fungal concentrations and allergic sensitization rate to Alternaria and Cladosporium in Korea during the period 1998-2022. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, 15(6), 806–814. https://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2023.15.6.806
40. Ibigbami, T., & Adeonipekun, A. (2020). Comparative Aeropalynology of two communities in Lagos State, South western, Nigeria. Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 12(3), 729–740. https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb12310756
41. Jato, V., Aira, M. J., Iglésias, M. I., Alcázar, P., Cervigón, P., Fernández, D., Recio, M., Ruíz, L., & Sbai, L. (1999). Aeropalynology of Birch (Betula sp.) in Spain. Polen, 10, 37–47.
42. Lamb, C. E., et al. (2006). Economic Impact of workplace productivity losses due to allergic rhinitis compared with selected medical conditions in the United States from an employer perspective. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 22(6), 1203–1210. https://doi.org/10.1185/030079906X112552
43. Levetin, E., Horner, W. E., & Scott, J. A. (2016). Taxonomy of allergenic fungi. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 4(6), 1155–1164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2016.08.017
44. May, J. R., & Smith, P. H. (2008). Allergic Rhinitis. In J. T. Dipiro, R. L. Talbert, G. C. Yee, G. Matzke, B. Wells, & L. M. Posey (Eds.), Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach (7th ed., pp. 1565–1575). McGraw-Hill.
45. Meltzer, E. O., & Bukstein, D. A. (2011). The economic impact of allergic rhinitis and current guidelines for treatment. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 106(2), S12–S16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2010.10.035
46. Njokuocha, R. C. (2006). Airborne pollen grains in Nsukka, Nigeria. Grana, 45(1), 73–80.
47. Ozoh, O. B., Aderibigbe, S. A., Ayuk, A. C., Desalu, O. O., Oridota, O. E., & Olufemi, O. (2019). The prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in Nigeria: A national survey among children, adolescents and adults. PLoS One, 14(9), e0222281. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222281
48. Raulf, M., Buters, J., Chapman, N. D., & De Blay, C. (2014). Monitoring of occupational and enviromental aeroallergens-EAACI position paper. Allergy, 69(10), 1280–1299. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.12479
49. Rogers, C. (2008). Why pollen grains are allergenic. Pollen and Pollen Allergy, AAIA, Quarterly, 30(Spring 1994).
50. Roulston, T. H., & Cane, J. H. (2000). Pollen nutritional content and digestibility for animals. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 222, 187–209. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00984102
51. Sowunmi, M. A. (1973). Pollen grains of Nigerian plants. Grana Palynologica, 13(2-3), 145–186. https://doi.org/10.1080/00173137309429850
52. Sowunmi, M. A. (1995). Pollen grains of Nigerian plants. Grana, 34(2), 120–141. https://doi.org/10.1080/00173139509430889
53. Sur, D. K., & Scandale, S. (2010). Treatment of allergic rhinitis. American Family Physician, 81(12), 1440–1446.
54. Togias, A. G. (2000). Systemic Immunologic and inflammatory aspects of allergic rhinitis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 106(5), S247–S256. https://doi.org/10.1067/mai.2000.110599
55. Walls, A. F., He, S., Buckley, M. G., & McEwen, A. R. (2001). Roles of the mast cell and basophill in asthma. Clinical Experimental Allergy, 31(1), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2222.2001.00989.x
56. Waqar, M. A., Khan, M., Saleem, A., & Hasnain, S. M. (2010). Possible effects of cultivated plants in the development of allergy in population of Sindh, Pakistan. Journal Botany Pakistan, 32(1), 95–100.
57. Wodehouse, R. P. (1935). Pollen grains, their structure, identification and significance in science and medicine. Hafner Publishing Co.
58. World Allergy Organization. (2008). State of the World Allergy Report, Allergy and Chronic Respiratory Diseases. World Allergy Organization Journal, 1(1), S4–S17. https://doi.org/10.1097/1939-4551-1-S1-S4
59. Worldometers RTS algorithms. (2024, January 24).
60. Yasmeen, Z., & Santha, D. (1987). Allergenic potential of the Mangrove fern, Acrostichum aureum. Grana, 26(2), 171–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/00173138709428905
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, adaptation, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Authors are permitted to post their work online in institutional/disciplinary repositories or on their own websites. Pre-print versions posted online should include a citation and link to the final published version in Journal of Librarianship and Scholarly Communication as soon as the issue is available; post-print versions (including the final publisher's PDF) should include a citation and link to the journal's website.
