Invasive Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), an Allergy and Health Challenge

Plants

RossT. Shackleton¹  María Del Mar Trigo Pérez²  Ali El-Keblawy³  Luís González⁴  M.Iftikhar Hussain⁵ 

[1] Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Natural Sciences Building, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7600, South Africa;Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidad de Málaga, PO Box 59, 29080 Malaga, Spain;Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah 2141, UAE;;Plant Biology &Research Institute of Science and Engineering, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah 2141, UAE;

关键词: allergy;    allergens;    biological invasions;    human heath;    human well-being;    pollens;    prosopis;    immunology;    impact;    invasive alien tree;    invasive species;   

DOI  :  10.3390/plants9020141

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC), is an medium-sized tree (family Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae), that has been intorcuded around the world. It is a noxious invasive species in Africa, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula and a source of highly allergenic pollen in. The present article reviews the adverse allergenic effects of P. juliflora pollen on human and animal health. Several studies have diagnosed that allergenic pollens from Prosopis spp. can provoke respiratory problems. Prosopis pollen extracts have 16 allergenic components of which nine proteins were recognized as major allergens with some of them showing cross-reactivity. Clinically, understanding Prosopis pollen production, flowering seasonality, pollen load, and dispersal in the atmosphere are important to avoid allergic consequences for local inhabitants. Climate change and other pollution can also help to further facilitate allergenic issues. Furthermore, we document other human and animal health problems caused by invasive Prosopis trees. This includes flesh injuries, dental and gastric problems, and the facilitation of malaria. This review summarizes and enhances the existing knowledge about Prosopis flowering phenology, aeroallergen, and other human and animal health risks associated with this noxious plant.

【 授权许可】

Unknown