Aerobiology in Africa: a continent-wide review of pollen, fungal spores, and allergy risk

Abstract Aerobiology is pivotal for understanding human health risks, ecosystem dynamics, as well as plant reproduction, including phylogeny. Africa’s vast climatic and ecological diversity—from deserts to tropical rainforests—produces complex, region-specific aerobiological patterns that are often underinvestigated. Seasonal and meteorological factors, including rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind, and phenomena such as the Harmattan, significantly influence the distribution of airborne pollen and fungal spores, with direct implications for allergen exposure and the development of respiratory diseases. These complex systems are altered by anthropogenic climate change and disturbances. Despite these impacts, continent-wide aerobiological research remains limited, with most studies concentrated in research-strong nations such as South Africa and Nigeria. This review synthesizes current knowledge on African aerospora, highlighting spatial and temporal trends, dominant taxa, environmental drivers, sampling methodologies, and links to allergic disease, including projections under climate change. Data were collated from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, African Journals Online, and long-term monitoring initiatives. Key research gaps include sparse long-term monitoring data, inconsistent methodologies, and limited integration with public health outcomes and modelling approaches. Expanding monitoring networks and fostering interdisciplinary approaches are essential for improving our understanding of African aeroallergens and informing strategies to mitigate allergy and respiratory health risks, such as inhibiting the spread of invader plants such as Ambrosia and planting of exotic trees that produce an abundance of highly allergenic pollen, such as Morus and Platanus .