Cyanobacteria Allergy in Lake Kineret

People swimming or surfing in lake Kineret , sometimes complain of nasal stuffiness , sneezing and itching .Typically, it happens during or immediately after contact with the lake's water . The symptoms are compatible with immediate allergic reaction. Previous reports suggested a connection between similar symptoms and contact with different cyanobacteria (living in fresh water lakes). In this study we intend to prove the mechanism of these reactions. To prove the exact allergen that causes allergic rhinitis allergists perform skin tests with different suspected allergens. Likewise, we would like to perform skin tests to different proteins extracted from cyanobacteria collected in lake Kineret.

Skin test with sterile extracts of different cyanobacteria is performed on the volar aspect of the forearm. Typically, the results are read 15 minutes after performing the test. Test is regarded as positive when wheal of more than 3mm and flare appear within this time frame. Positive test indicates the existence of specific IgE to the extract in on skin mast cells .

Inclusion Criteria: age above 18 exposed to Lake Keneret water by swiming or sirfing Exclusion Criteria: age under 18 pregnancy

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