An approach to diagnosis and treatment in the migrant allergic population.

An approach to allergy diagnosis and treatment in the migrant population of the United States is derived from a review of selected aspects of pollen aerobiology and the nature and distribution of allergenic plants. Pollen distribution and importance are defined and divided into four relatively homogenous geographic regions of the continental United States. Botanic relationships between pollens are then summarized, especially as they relate to the methodology and results of studies of antigenic relationships between pollens. From this information, 13 mixes of tree pollens, 12 mixes of grass pollens, and 12 mixes of week pollens are proposed which would include the pollens of major and secondary importance found in the four defined geographic regions and which would be appropriate for puncture testing. Further grouping of antigens is described for use in intradermal testing and formulating treatment mixtures. A sample skin test sheet is presented which summarizes this information in a practical format.