Abstract

Asteraceae pollen rainfall comparison in four South American cities Rationale: Weed pollen come from different species that do not belong to the tree and grass families. The Asteraceae family is the most allergenic within weeds, and several species from them are identified in the pollen count and could cause allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Methods: This work aimed to compare the Asteraceae pollination from January 1st to December 31st, 2020, in the cities of Bahía Blanca (Argentina), Lima (Peru), Asunción (Paraguay), and Santiago (Chile). Expressed data as weekly averages of pollen grains/m3 of air. Results: The Asteraceae have a very similar pollination cycle, with peaks of different city’s magnitude, always at the same time for Bahía Blanca, Santiago, and Asunción. Standing out between the first and fourth week of March, and then again between the fourth week of October and the fourth week of December. Pollination in Lima remains with moderate pollen abundance between the first week of July and the fourth week of September, then declining the rest of the time. During this period, no Asteraceae are present in the cities of Bahía Blanca and Santiago, but they do appear in Asunción, although the values are low. Conclusions: This study allows us to compare the behavior of Asteraceae in different Southern Hemisphere cities. Knowing the pollen calendar of the Asteraceae and the changes in the pollen season help the patient be alert in case of a pollen rain peak.