Vol. 2, Issue 12, Part D (2016)

Abstract
Pollens allergy is in constant increase in the world and significantly impairs patient’s quality of life. In developing countries such as Cote d’Ivoire, there is no information on pollen exposure due to lack monitoring of aerobiologicals. The aim of this study was to appreciate the impact of plant pollens on the health of populations in the district of Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire). A panel of eight plants was used for floristic study. Social and health survey combined to ethnobotanical investigations using a questionnaire was carried out in areas at risk. In Abidjan, four plants of the panel were found in six settings of the district of Abidjan (Abobo, Adjamé, Bingerville, Cocody, Port-Bouët, Yopougon), particularly Cocos nucifera, Ceiba pentandra, Elaeis guineensis and Petersianthus macrocarpus. The ethnobotanical uses were medicinal, food, decorative and shadiness. Of 322 people surveyed in six settings at risk, 129 had been affected by some multi allergic symptoms: ENT (76%), lungs (36%), eyes (54%), skin (32%) and cardiovascular system (16%). Ceiba pentandra was the most species incriminated in the allergic reactions, followed by Petersianthus macrocarpus. The most affected age was 11-20 years (39, 53%) and ENT symptoms were predominant. These study may open perspectives of floral geomatic such as development of monitoring tools in order to establish the exposure of people to plant pollens in Cote d’Ivoire.