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Grandinetti R, Mussi N, Rossi A, Zambelli G, Masetti M, Giudice A, Pilloni S, Deolmi M, Caffarelli C, Esposito S, Fainardi V. Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Children: State of the Art from Diagnosis to Treatment. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4558. [PMID: 39124824 PMCID: PMC11312884 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13154558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common clinical entity in people with asthma. EIB is characterized by postexercise airway obstruction that results in symptoms such as coughing, dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness, and increased fatigue. The underlying mechanism of EIB is not completely understood. "Osmotic theory" and "thermal or vascular theory" have been proposed. Initial assessment must include a specific work-up to exclude alternative diagnoses like exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), cardiac disease, or physical deconditioning. Detailed medical history and clinical examination must be followed by basal spirometry and exercise challenge test. The standardized treadmill running (TR) test, a controlled and standardized method to assess bronchial response to exercise, is the most adopted exercise challenge test for children aged at least 8 years. In the TR test, the goal is to reach the target heart rate in a short period and maintain it for at least 6 min. The test is then followed by spirometry at specific time points (5, 10, 15, and 30 min after exercise). In addition, bronchoprovocation tests like dry air hyperpnea (exercise and eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea) or osmotic aerosols (inhaled mannitol) can be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain. Treatment options include both pharmacological and behavioral approaches. Considering medications, the use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) just before exercise is the commonest option strategy, but daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can also be considered, especially when EIB is not controlled with SABA only or when the patients practice physical activity very often. Among the behavioral approaches, warm-up before exercise, breathing through the nose or face mask, and avoiding polluted environments are all recommended strategies to reduce EIB risk. This review summarizes the latest evidence published over the last 10 years on the pathogenesis, diagnosis using spirometry and indirect bronchoprovocation tests, and treatment strategies, including SABA and ICS, of EIB. A specific focus has been placed on EIB management in young athletes, since this condition can not only prevent them from practicing regular physical activity but also competitive sports.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Valentina Fainardi
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy; (R.G.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (G.Z.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (S.P.); (M.D.); (C.C.); (S.E.)
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Walelign S, Tesfaye M, Tasew G, Desta K, Tsegaye A, Taye B. Association between helminth infection and allergic disorders among children in Batu, Ethiopia. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1222. [PMID: 38517214 PMCID: PMC10959016 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helminths are potent immunomodulators and in their chronic infection state they may protect against allergy-related disease and atopy. However, they are also known for inducing allergic conditions. This study aimed to assess the association between helminths, atopy and allergic conditions. METHODS A total of 461 school children participated in this cross-sectional study. Data on allergic symptoms and a range of confounding variables was gathered from parents via an interviewer-led questionnaire. Skin sensitization to house dust mite and cockroaches was analyzed, and a stool sample was collected for helminth analysis. Serum total Immunoglobulin E using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and eosinophil count were also measured. RESULTS Overall sensitivity to both allergens was 2.4%. Self-reported allergic outcomes in the last 12 months for the 461 participants had been : wheezing 3.7%, asthma 2.2%, eczema 13.2% and hay fever 6.9%. Overall, the prevalence of helminth infection was 11.9% (53/444). A borderline significant association was found between atopy and any allergy symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 3.32, 95% confidence interval [95% CI: 0.99, 11.1], p = .052). There was no significant association between helminths and atopy (OR: 0.64 [95% CI: 0.29, 1.41], p = .268) and also between helminths and allergic symptoms (OR: 0.64 [95% CI: 0.29, 1.41], p = .268). Bivariate analysis showed keeping an animal in the house increases the risk of atopy while maternal and paternal history of allergy increases the risk of developing allergic symptoms in the children. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study found a non-significant inverse association between helminths infection and atopy and allergic disorders, likely due to reduced statistical power, resulting in a lower prevalence of atopy and allergic conditions. A high powered longtitudinal study is necessary to explore the casuality and potential therapeutic benefits of helminths for allergic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sosina Walelign
- Department of Medical Laboratory SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Mheret Tesfaye
- Bacteriology and Mycology National Reference LaboratoryEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Geremew Tasew
- Bacterial, Parasitic, and Zoonotic Diseases Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Kassu Desta
- Department of Medical Laboratory SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Aster Tsegaye
- Department of Medical Laboratory SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Bineyam Taye
- Department of BiologyColgate UniversityHamiltonNew YorkUSA
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Packi K, Rudek A, Matysiak J, Klimczak S, Matuszewska E, Rzetecka N, Matysiak J. Food Allergies and Parasites in Children. Foods 2023; 12:2465. [PMID: 37444203 DOI: 10.3390/foods12132465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamically growing incidence of food allergies forces the scientific community to develop new methods for their diagnosis, differentiation, and effective treatment. Parasitoses appear much less frequently in the scientific literature, as well as among the presumed causes of numerous conditions. The similarity of inflammatory mechanisms in allergies and parasitosis necessitates a revision of current diagnostic standards. A lack of specificity and the coincidence of symptoms at an early stage of disease can lead to misdiagnosis. In this paper, we attempted to perform a comparative analysis of the similarities and differences in symptoms for these two types of diseases. We described the molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways of food allergy and parasitosis. We presented the available research methods and directions of ongoing studies aimed at implementing precise medical techniques for differential diagnosis. We discussed the allergenic properties of certain parasite proteins, using the example of myofibrillar tropomyosins from the nematode Anisakis simplex. The literature in the fields of allergology and parasitology leads to the conclusion that it is reasonable to run parallel allergological and parasitological diagnostics in patients with non-specific symptoms. This approach will facilitate accurate and early diagnosis and implementation of effective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Packi
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- AllerGen Center of Personalized Medicine, 97-300 Piotrkow Trybunalski, Poland
| | - Alicja Rudek
- AllerGen Center of Personalized Medicine, 97-300 Piotrkow Trybunalski, Poland
| | - Joanna Matysiak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University-Kalisz, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
| | - Sylwia Klimczak
- AllerGen Center of Personalized Medicine, 97-300 Piotrkow Trybunalski, Poland
- Department of Nucleic Acid Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Eliza Matuszewska
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Natalia Rzetecka
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jan Matysiak
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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Senaratna CV, Perera PK, Arulkumaran S, Abeysekara N, Piyumanthi P, Hamilton GS, Nixon GM, Rajakaruna RS, Dharmage SC. Association of helminth infestation with childhood asthma: a nested case-control study. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 128:272-277. [PMID: 36632894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The association between helminthiasis and asthma remains inconclusive but can only be investigated in counties where helminthiasis is transitioning from a high to low burden. We investigated this association using data from a childhood respiratory cohort in Sri Lanka. METHODS A case-control study was nested within a population-based cohort of children aged 6-14 years in Sri Lanka. The stool samples of 190 children with asthma and 190 children without asthma were analyzed to assess the burden of helminth infestation. Logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the association of gastrointestinal helminth species with asthma. RESULTS Helminthiasis in children with and without asthma was 23.3% (n = 44) and 15.3% (n = 23), respectively. Those with asthma were more likely to have helminthiasis (odds ratio 3.7; 95% confidence interval 1.7, 7.7; P = 0.001), particularly with Trichiuris trichura (odds ratio 4.5; 95% confidence interval 1.6, 12.3; P = 0.004). Helminth eggs per gram of feces were not associated with asthma (P >0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate a positive association between T. trichura infestation and asthma and point to the need to fully characterize this association to understand the likely immunological mechanism that drives it. This association highlights an important public health intervention in countries where these infestations are still prevalent, affecting 24% of the population worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamara V Senaratna
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit (ALHU), Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Non-Communicable Disease Research Centre, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
| | - Piyumali K Perera
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Nirupama Abeysekara
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka; School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Pramodya Piyumanthi
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Centre, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Garun S Hamilton
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Monash Lung, Sleep, Allergy and Immunology, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - Gillian M Nixon
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Rupika S Rajakaruna
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit (ALHU), Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Ahmed SA, Kotepui M, Masangkay FR, Milanez GD, Karanis P. Gastrointestinal parasites in Africa: A review. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 119:1-64. [PMID: 36707173 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Data on human gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) infections in the african sub-regions and countries are mainly lacking in terms of prevalence and population stratification by afflicted age group, symptomatology, multi-parasitism, and diagnostic methods. This study aims to describe the GIP reported in african countries and discuss the extent of the burden in the african context. Only 68.42% (39/57) of african countries reported human cases of GIP with helminths (45%, CI: 40-50%, I2: 99.79%) as the predominant parasitic group infecting the african population. On a regional scale, Central Africa had the highest pooled prevalence for GIP (43%, CI: 32-54%, I2: 99.74%), while the Central African Republic led all countries with a pooled prevalence of 90% (CI: 89-92%, I2: 99.96%). The vulnerable population (patients who are minorities, children, old, poor, underfunded, or have particular medical conditions) was the most affected (50%, CI: 37-62%, I2: 99.33%), with the predominance of GIP in the 6 to <20 years age group (48%, CI: 43-54%, I2: 99.68%). Reports on multi-parasitism (44%, CI: 40-48%, I2: 99.73%) were almost double the reports of single infections (43%, CI: 27-59%, I2: 99.77%) with combined molecular and non-molecular techniques demonstrating the best performance for GIP identification. The current review spans more than 40 years of GIP reports from the african continent. Geographical characteristics, environmental factors, habits of its inhabitants, and their health status play a crucial role in GIP modulation and behaviour in its captive hosts. Strategies for regular and enhanced surveillance, policy formation, and high-level community awareness are necessary to identify the true incidence in Africa and the transmission of the pathogens via water and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Frederick R Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Giovanni D Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany; University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Avokpaho EFGA, Gineau L, Sabbagh A, Atindégla E, Fiogbé A, Galagan S, Ibikounlé M, Massougbodji A, Walson JL, Luty AJF, Garcia A. Multiple overlapping risk factors for childhood wheeze among children in Benin. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:304. [PMID: 36572891 PMCID: PMC9791764 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00919-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The African continent is currently facing an epidemiological transition characterized by a shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases. Prominent amongst the latter are allergies and asthma. In that context, wheeze has multiple potential contributory factors that could include some of the endemic helminth infections, as well as environmental exposures, such as household air pollution. We sought to determine the relative importance of these risk factors among children in Benin. METHODS We included 964 children aged 6-14 years living in the commune of Comé, south-west Benin. All children were participants in the longitudinal monitoring cohort of the DeWorm3 trial designed to evaluate multiple rounds of community mass treatment with albendazole for interruption of the transmission of soil transmitted helminths (STH). We administered a standard ISAAC questionnaire to determine the presence of wheeze. In addition, we assessed exposure to household air pollution and to other potential allergy-inducing factors, dietary intake and anthropometry. Using STH infection status assessed at the pretreatment baseline timepoint, we used multivariate statistical modelling, controlling for covariates, to investigate associations between wheeze and the different factors measured. RESULTS The prevalence of wheezing history was 5.2%, of current wheezing was 4.6% and of severe wheezing was 3.1%, while STH infections were found in 5.6% of children. These profiles did not vary as a function of either age or gender. Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, but not hookworm species, was significantly associated with both current wheeze (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 4.3; 95% CI [1.5-12.0]) and severe wheeze (aOR = 9.2; 95% CI [3.1-27.8]). Significant positive associations with current wheeze, independent of each other and of STH infection status, were also found for (i) use of open cookstoves (aOR = 3.9; 95% CI [1.3-11.5]), (ii) use of palm cakes for fire lighting (aOR = 3.4; 95% CI [1.1-9.9]), (iii) contact with domestic animals and/or rodents (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI [1.1-6.0]), (iv) being overweight (aOR = 9.7; 95% CI [1.7-55.9]). Use of open cookstoves and being overweight were also independent risk factors for severe wheeze (aOR = 3.9; 95% CI [1.1-13.7]) and aOR = 10.3; 95% CI [1.8-60.0], respectively). CONCLUSIONS Children infected with A. lumbricoides appear to be at elevated risk of wheeze. Deworming may be an important intervention to reduce these symptoms. Improving cooking methods to reduce household air pollution, modifying dietary habits to avoid overweight, and keeping animals out of the house are all additional measures that could also contribute to reducing childrens' risk of wheeze. Policymakers in LMIC should consider tailoring public health measures to reflect the importance of these different risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euripide F. G. A. Avokpaho
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin, Abomey-Calavi, Benin ,grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602ED 393 Pierre Louis de Santé Publique, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laure Gineau
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602MERIT, IRD, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Sabbagh
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602MERIT, IRD, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Eloic Atindégla
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Arnauld Fiogbé
- grid.463453.3Ministère de la Santé, Centre National Hospitalo-Universitaire de Pneumo- Phtisiologie, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Sean Galagan
- grid.34477.330000000122986657DeWorm3, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Moudachirou Ibikounlé
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin, Abomey-Calavi, Benin ,grid.412037.30000 0001 0382 0205Centre de Recherche Pour La Lutte Contre Les Maladies Infectieuses Tropicales (CReMIT/TIDRC), Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Bénin
| | | | - Judd L. Walson
- grid.34477.330000000122986657DeWorm3, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Adrian J. F. Luty
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602MERIT, IRD, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - André Garcia
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602MERIT, IRD, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Arrais M, Maricoto T, Nwaru BI, Cooper PJ, Gama JM, Brito M, Taborda-Barata L. Helminth infections and allergic diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis of the global literature. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 149:2139-2152. [PMID: 34968529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.12.777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is considerable research interest in the role of helminth infections in the development of allergic diseases. However, findings from previous studies are mixed. Existing systematic reviews of these studies are outdated. We performed a systematic review of the global literature on the association between helminth infections and development and clinical outcomes of allergic diseases. METHODS We searched Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Global Index Medicus, Scielo, KoreaMed, Google Scholar, and Lilacs for studies published up to January 2020. We included observational epidemiological studies (cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies) of children and adults reporting associations between helminth infections and asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and atopy. We performed random-effects meta-analysis to summarize the effect estimates. RESULTS We included 80 studies with 99,967 participants. In the meta-analyses, we did not observe an overall association between helminth infections and allergic diseases. There was, however, evidence that A. lumbricoides infections was associated with an increased risk of bronchial hyperreactivity in children (RR:1.41, 95%CI: 1.17-1.70; I2=50, p for I2=0.09), and was associated with an increased risk of atopy among helminth-infected adults (RR:1.37, 95%CI: 1.18-1.61; I2=52, p for I2=0.02). We found no study that addressed the association between helminth infection and clinical outcomes of allergic diseases. The overall strength of the underlying evidence was low to moderate. CONCLUSION Helminth infections may increase the risk of bronchial hyperreactivity in children and atopy in adults. Well-designed longitudinal cohorts may help clarify potential causal associations between chronic helminth infections and allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarete Arrais
- Department of Pulmonology, Military Hospital, Luanda, Angola; CISA - Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola, Caxito, Bengo, Angola; GRUBI - Systematic Reviews Group, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tiago Maricoto
- GRUBI - Systematic Reviews Group, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Aveiro Healthcare Centre, Aveiro-Aradas Family Health Unit, Aveiro, Portugal; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, CACB-Clinical Academic Centre of Beiras, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Bright I Nwaru
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Philip J Cooper
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK; School of Medicine, International University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Mr Gama
- GRUBI - Systematic Reviews Group, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Centre of Mathematics and Applications, Faculty of Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
| | - Miguel Brito
- CISA - Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola, Caxito, Bengo, Angola; Health and Technology Research Center (H&TRC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luis Taborda-Barata
- GRUBI - Systematic Reviews Group, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; CICS- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Cova da Beira University Hospital Centre, Covilhã, Portugal
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Cooper PJ, Chis Ster I, Chico ME, Vaca M, Oviedo Y, Maldonado A, Barreto ML, Platts‐Mills TAE, Strachan DP. Impact of early life geohelminths on wheeze, asthma and atopy in Ecuadorian children at 8 years. Allergy 2021; 76:2765-2775. [PMID: 33745189 PMCID: PMC8496980 DOI: 10.1111/all.14821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life exposures to geohelminths may protect against development of wheeze/asthma and atopy. OBJECTIVE To study the effect of maternal geohelminths and infections in children during the first 5 years on atopy, wheeze/asthma and airways reactivity/inflammation at 8 years. METHODS Birth cohort of 2404 neonates followed to 8 years in rural Ecuador. Data on wheeze/asthma were collected by questionnaire and atopy by skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to 9 allergens. We measured airways reactivity to bronchodilator, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and nasal eosinophilia. Stool samples were examined for geohelminths by microscopy. RESULTS 1933 (80.4%) children were evaluated at 8 years. Geohelminths were detected in 45.8% of mothers and 45.5% of children to 5 years. Frequencies of outcomes at 8 years were as follows: wheeze (6.6%), asthma between 5 and 8 years (7.9%), SPT (14.7%), airways reactivity (10%) and elevated FeNO (10.3%) and nasal eosinophilia (9.2%). Any maternal geohelminth was associated with reduced SPT prevalence (OR 0.72). Childhood Trichuris trichiura infections during the first 5 years were associated with reduced wheeze (OR 0.57) but greater parasite burdens with Ascaris lumbricoides at 5 years were associated with increased wheeze (OR 2.83) and asthma (OR 2.60). Associations between maternal geohelminths and wheeze/asthma were modified by atopy. Parasite-specific effects on wheeze/asthma and airways reactivity and inflammation were observed in non-atopic children. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide novel evidence for persistent effects of in utero geohelminth exposures on childhood atopy but highlight the complex nature of the relationship between geohelminths and the airways. Registered as an observational study (ISRCTN41239086).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Cooper
- Institute of Infection and Immunity St George's University of London London UK
- School of Medicine Universidad Internacional del Ecuador Quito Ecuador
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
| | - Irina Chis Ster
- Institute of Infection and Immunity St George's University of London London UK
| | - Martha E. Chico
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
| | - Maritza Vaca
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
| | - Yisela Oviedo
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
| | - Augusto Maldonado
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
- Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Universidad San Francisco de Quito Quito Ecuador
| | | | | | - David P. Strachan
- Population Health Research Institute St George's University of London London UK
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Arrais M, Lulua O, Quifica F, Rosado-Pinto J, Gama JMR, Cooper PJ, Taborda-Barata L, Brito M. Lack of Consistent Association between Asthma, Allergic Diseases, and Intestinal Helminth Infection in School-Aged Children in the Province of Bengo, Angola. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18116156. [PMID: 34200291 PMCID: PMC8201383 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown conflicting findings on the relationship between asthma, atopy, and intestinal helminth infections. There are no such studies from Angola; therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between asthma, allergic diseases, atopy, and intestinal helminth infection in Angolan schoolchildren. We performed a cross-sectional study of schoolchildren between September and November 2017. Five schools (three urban, two rural) were randomly selected. Asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema were defined by appropriate symptoms in the previous 12 months: atopy was defined by positive skin prick tests (SPT) or aeroallergen-specific IgE; intestinal helminths were detected by faecal sample microscopy. In total, 1023 children were evaluated (48.4% female; 57.6% aged 10–14 years; 60.5% urban). Asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, or eczema were present in 9%, 6%, and 16% of the studies children, respectively. Only 8% of children had positive SPT, but 64% had positive sIgE. Additionally, 40% were infected with any intestinal helminth (A. lumbricoides 25.9%, T. trichiura 7.6%, and H. nana 6.3%). There were no consistent associations between intestinal helminth infections and asthma, allergic diseases, or atopy, except for A. lumbricoides, which was inversely associated with rhinoconjuctivitis and directly associated with aeroallergen-specific IgE. We concluded that, overall, intestinal helminth infections were not consistently associated with allergic symptoms or atopy. Future, preferably longitudinal, studies should collect more detailed information on helminth infections as part of clusters of environmental determinants of allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarete Arrais
- Department of Pulmonology, Military Hospital, Luanda 12195, Angola; (M.A.); (O.L.); (F.Q.)
- CISA—Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola/Health Research Center of Angola, Caxito 9999, Angola;
| | - Ofélia Lulua
- Department of Pulmonology, Military Hospital, Luanda 12195, Angola; (M.A.); (O.L.); (F.Q.)
| | - Francisca Quifica
- Department of Pulmonology, Military Hospital, Luanda 12195, Angola; (M.A.); (O.L.); (F.Q.)
| | - José Rosado-Pinto
- Department of Immunoallergology, Hospital da Luz, 1500-650 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Jorge M. R. Gama
- Center of Mathematics and Applications, Faculty of Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Philip J. Cooper
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK;
- School of Medicine, International University of Ecuador, 170411 Quito, Ecuador
| | - Luis Taborda-Barata
- Department of Immunoallergology, Cova da Beira University Hospital Centre, 6200-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- CICS—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde/Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-275329003
| | - Miguel Brito
- CISA—Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola/Health Research Center of Angola, Caxito 9999, Angola;
- Health and Technology Research Center (H&TRC), The Lisbon Higher School of Health Technology, The Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
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10
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Popescu FD, Ganea CS, Panaitescu C, Vieru M. Molecular diagnosis in cat allergy. World J Methodol 2021; 11:46-60. [PMID: 34026578 PMCID: PMC8127422 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v11.i3.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats represent one of the most common sources of indoor allergens. All over the world, many households own cats, whose allergens are persistent and widespread. Cat allergy itself is frequent, and its symptoms vary from rhinoconjunctivitis to life-threatening asthma. In vitro diagnosis using precision medicine allergy immunoassays is important because natural cat dander extracts may differ in quality and quantity of some of the individual allergen components and other molecules. In the component-resolved diagnosis of cat allergy, singleplex and multiplex specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E assays include use of the cat-specific major allergen, secretoglobin Fel d 1 (as a species-specific molecule), other allergen components (such as lipocalins Fel d 4, cross-reacting with other animal similar molecules, and Fel d 7, present in small quantities in natural extracts), and serum albumin Fel d 2 (related to the cat-pork syndrome). IgA Fel d 5 and IgM Fel d 6 are not available as allergen components in the current commercial IgE immunoassays, but they may impair the in vitro diagnostic evaluation of cat allergy because galactose-α1,3-galactose is an IgE-binding epitope of these native feline allergens. The benefits of molecular-based cat allergy diagnosis are continually evaluated, as the role of recombinant allergen components already known is detailed and new other molecules of interest may be discovered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin-Dan Popescu
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 022441, Romania
- Department of Allergology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 022441, Romania
| | - Carmen Saviana Ganea
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 022441, Romania
| | - Carmen Panaitescu
- Department III Functional Sciences, Physiology Discipline, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara 300041, Romania
- Center for Gene and Cell Therapies in Cancer Treatment OncoGen-SCJUPB Timisoara, Timișoara 300041, Romania
| | - Mariana Vieru
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 022441, Romania
- Department of Allergology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 022441, Romania
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11
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Classification of Wheezing Children in Rural Bangladesh by Intensity of Ascaris Infection, Total and Specific IgE Levels, History of Pneumonia, and Other Risk Factors. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:4236825. [PMID: 31886302 PMCID: PMC6915125 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4236825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common soil-transmitted helminth and infects 447 million people in impoverished areas worldwide. It causes serious morbidity including wheezing and influences various aspects of human immunity, such as type 2 innate lymphoid cells, regulatory T cell function, and acquired immunity. Thus, it is crucial to elucidate its influence on human immunity. We aimed to classify wheezing children based on their Ascaris infection intensity and other risk factors using hierarchical cluster analysis to determine the mechanisms of and the degree to which Ascaris contributes to childhood wheezing in rural Bangladesh. We analyzed relevant data collected in 2001. The participants included 219 5-year-old wheezing children who were randomly selected from 1705 children living in the Matlab Health and Demographic Surveillance area of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted using variables of history of pneumonia, total and specific immunoglobulin E levels, Ascaris infection intensity, and parental asthma. Three distinct wheezing groups were identified. Children in Cluster 1 (n = 50) had the highest titers of the total, anti-Ascaris, anti-Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and anticockroach IgEs and experienced the fewest episodes of pneumonia. Cluster 2 (n = 114), the largest group, experienced few episodes of pneumonia and had the lowest titers of the total, anti-Ascaris, anti-Dp, and anticockroach IgEs. Cluster 3 (n = 32) consisted of participants with the most episodes of pneumonia and lower titers of the total and specific IgEs. The extremely high prevalence of Ascaris infection found in Clusters 1-3 was 78%, 77%, and 72%, respectively. Childhood wheezing in rural Bangladesh could be divided into three groups, with 26% of wheezing attributable to anti-Ascaris IgE and 16% to history of pneumonia during early childhood, and 58% might have been due to Ascaris infection without elevated anti-Ascaris IgE.
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12
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Rodriguez A, Brickley E, Rodrigues L, Normansell RA, Barreto M, Cooper PJ. Urbanisation and asthma in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review of the urban-rural differences in asthma prevalence. Thorax 2019; 74:1020-1030. [PMID: 31278168 PMCID: PMC6860411 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-211793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urbanisation has been associated with temporal and geographical differences in asthma prevalence in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, little is known of the mechanisms by which urbanisation and asthma are associated, perhaps explained by the methodological approaches used to assess the urbanisation-asthma relationship. OBJECTIVE This review evaluated how epidemiological studies have assessed the relationship between asthma and urbanisation in LMICs, and explored urban/rural differences in asthma prevalence. METHODS Asthma studies comparing urban/rural areas, comparing cities and examining intraurban variation were assessed for eligibility. Included publications were evaluated for methodological quality and pooled OR were calculated to indicate the risk of asthma in urban over rural areas. RESULTS Seventy articles were included in our analysis. Sixty-three compared asthma prevalence between urban and rural areas, five compared asthma prevalence between cities and two examined intraurban variation in asthma prevalence. Urban residence was associated with a higher prevalence of asthma, regardless of asthma definition: current-wheeze OR:1.46 (95% CI:1.22 to 1.74), doctor diagnosis OR:1.89 (95% CI:1.47 to 2.41), wheeze-ever OR:1.44 (95% CI:1.15 to 1.81), self-reported asthma OR:1.77 (95% CI:1.33 to 2.35), asthma questionnaire OR:1.52 (95% CI:1.06 to 2.16) and exercise challenge OR:1.96 (95% CI:1.32 to 2.91). CONCLUSIONS Most evidence for the relationship between urbanisation and asthma in LMICs comes from studies comparing urban and rural areas. These studies tend to show a greater prevalence of asthma in urban compared to rural populations. However, these studies have been unable to identify which specific characteristics of the urbanisation process may be responsible. An approach to understand how different dimensions of urbanisation, using contextual household and individual indicators, is needed for a better understanding of how urbanisation affects asthma. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017064470.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Rodriguez
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Salud y la Vida, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Fundación Ecuatoriana para la Investigación en Salud, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Elizabeth Brickley
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Laura Rodrigues
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Mauricio Barreto
- Instituto de Saude Coletiva, Universidad Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Centrode de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde (CIDACS), FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Philip J Cooper
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Salud y la Vida, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Fundación Ecuatoriana para la Investigación en Salud, Quito, Ecuador
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
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13
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Takeuchi H, Khan MA, Ahmad SM, Hasan SMT, Alam MJ, Takanashi S, Hore SK, Yeasmin S, Jimba M, Iwata T. Concurrent decreases in the prevalence of wheezing and Ascaris infection among 5-year-old children in rural Bangladesh and their regulatory T cell immunity after the implementation of a national deworming program. Immun Inflamm Dis 2019; 7:160-169. [PMID: 31256445 PMCID: PMC6688081 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidemiological research on the prevalence of asthma and helminthic infections in various countries has led to the hypothesis that helminthic infections protect against asthma by suppressing the host's immune response. This study was conducted to elucidate whether decreased Ascaris infection following a national deworming program was associated with increased recurrent wheezing among rural Bangladeshi children and to test their anti-inflammatory immunity. METHODS This nested case-control study was conducted from December 2015 to October 2016 in the rural service area of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. Of the 1800 5-year old children randomly selected for the study, informed consent was obtained from the guardians of 1658 children. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire adopted from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood and blood samples for the analysis of regulatory T (Treg) cell immune responses and the balance between Th1 and Th2 immunity in Ascaris infections. RESULTS A total of 145 children were found to have wheezing, yielding a prevalence rate of 8.7%, which was significantly lower than the rate found in 2001 (16.2%, P < .001); Ascaris infection also decreased from 2001 to 2016. The 127 wheezing children who agreed to participate further were compared to 114 randomly selected never-wheezing children. Wheezing had a significant positive association with antibiotic use, history of pneumonia, parents' history of asthma, and Ascaris infection; children with Ascaris infection were twice as likely to have wheezing (adjusted odds ratio = 2.31, P = .053). Flow cytometry found no significant differences in the rates of Th1, Th2, and CD4 + CD25 + CD127low cells by the wheezing group. CONCLUSIONS Ascaris infection had a positive rather than a negative association with wheezing and the rates of wheezing and Ascaris infections both decreased from 2001 to 2016. These findings undermines the hypothesis that such infections provide protection against asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruko Takeuchi
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Md. Alfazal Khan
- Nutrition and Clinical Services DivisionInternational Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease ResearchBangladesh
| | | | - S. M. Tafsir Hasan
- Nutrition and Clinical Services DivisionInternational Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease ResearchBangladesh
| | - Md. Jahangir Alam
- Infectious Diseases DivisionInternational Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease ResearchBangladesh
| | - Sayaka Takanashi
- Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Samar Kumar Hore
- Centre for Equity and Health SystemInternational Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease ResearchBangladesh
| | - Sultana Yeasmin
- Infectious Diseases DivisionInternational Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease ResearchBangladesh
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tsutomu Iwata
- Department of Education for Childcare, Faculty of Child StudiesTokyo Kasei UniversityTokyoJapan
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14
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Botha M, Basera W, Facey-Thomas HE, Gaunt B, Genuneit J, Gray CL, Kiragu W, Ramjith J, Watkins A, Levin ME. Nutrition and allergic diseases in urban and rural communities from the South African Food Allergy cohort. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2019; 30:511-521. [PMID: 30945339 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study describes and compares allergic diseases and sensitization in urban and rural children in the SAFFA study cohort as well as infant feeding patterns and nutritional status. We assessed the relationship between nutritional status, breastfeeding, complementary feeding patterns, and atopic diseases including aeroallergen and food allergen sensitization, self-reported atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and challenge-proven food allergy (FA). METHODOLOGY A total of 1185 urban and 398 rural toddlers aged 12-36 months were screened for food sensitization (FS) and FA using skin prick testing and oral food challenges. Of these, 535 and 347, respectively, were additionally screened for aeroallergen sensitization. Information was collected on infant feeding practices, and anthropometric measurements and clinical signs for atopy were documented. RESULTS Markedly higher rates of allergy (asthma 9.0% vs 1.0%, eczema 25.6% vs 2.0%, rhinitis 25.3% vs 3.3%, and FA 2.5% vs 0.5%) exist in urban vs rural children. 13.1% unselected urban South African children were sensitized to aeroallergens compared to 3.8% of their rural counterparts and 9.0% to any food compared to 0.5%. Exclusive breastfeeding duration was longer, and there was a later introduction of allergenic foods in rural communities. Obesity rates were similar between the two groups, but rural children were more likely to be stunted. Being overweight was associated with asthma in urban but not rural settings. In the urban cohort, children with FS and allergy were thinner than their peers. CONCLUSION Allergy and sensitization rates are significantly higher in unselected urban South African toddlers than their rural counterparts. Risk and protective factors for allergy and atopy may differ between urban and rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maresa Botha
- Division of Paediatric Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wisdom Basera
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heidi E Facey-Thomas
- Division of Paediatric Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ben Gaunt
- Eastern Cape Department of Health, Zithulele Hospital, Zithulele, South Africa.,Division of Primary Health Care, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jon Genuneit
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia L Gray
- Division of Paediatric Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wanjiku Kiragu
- Department of Paediatrics, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jordache Ramjith
- Department for Health Evidence, Biostatistics Research Group, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alexandra Watkins
- Division of Paediatric Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael E Levin
- Division of Paediatric Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), inVIVO Planetary Health
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15
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Chico ME, Vaca MG, Rodriguez A, Cooper PJ. Soil-transmitted helminth parasites and allergy: Observations from Ecuador. Parasite Immunol 2019; 41:e12590. [PMID: 30229947 PMCID: PMC6563446 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable interest as to potential protective effects of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) against allergy and allergic diseases. Here, we discuss findings of studies done of the effects of STH parasites on atopy and allergic diseases in Ecuador. While cross-sectional studies have consistently shown a reduced prevalence of allergen skin prick test (SPT) reactivity among infected schoolchildren, the removal of these infections by repeated deworming did not affect SPT prevalence over the short-term (ie, 12 months) but may have increased SPT prevalence over the long-term (ie, 15-17 years). In the case of allergic symptoms, cross-sectional studies have generally not shown associations with STH and intervention studies showed no impact on prevalence. However, a birth cohort suggested that early STH infections might reduce wheeze by 5 years. Allergic sensitization to Ascaris, however, explained a significant proportion of wheezing among rural schoolchildren. Studies of the effects of STH on immune and inflammatory responses indicated a potential role of STH in contributing to more robust regulation. The effects of STH on allergy are likely to be determined by history of exposure over the life-course and by interactions with a wide variety of other infectious and non-infectious factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha E. Chico
- Fundación Ecuatoriana Para Investigación en SaludQuitoEcuador
| | - Maritza G. Vaca
- Fundación Ecuatoriana Para Investigación en SaludQuitoEcuador
| | - Alejandro Rodriguez
- Fundación Ecuatoriana Para Investigación en SaludQuitoEcuador
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, de la Salud y la VidaUniversidad Internacional del EcuadorQuitoEcuador
| | - Philip J. Cooper
- Fundación Ecuatoriana Para Investigación en SaludQuitoEcuador
- Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, de la Salud y la VidaUniversidad Internacional del EcuadorQuitoEcuador
- Institute of Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
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16
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Cooper PJ, Chico ME, Vaca MG, Sandoval CA, Loor S, Amorim LD, Rodrigues LC, Barreto ML, Strachan DP. Effect of Early-Life Geohelminth Infections on the Development of Wheezing at 5 Years of Age. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 197:364-372. [PMID: 28957644 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201706-1222oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposures to geohelminths during gestation or early childhood may reduce risk of wheezing illness/asthma and atopy during childhood in tropical regions. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of maternal and early childhood geohelminths on development of wheeze/asthma and atopy during the first 5 years of life. METHODS A cohort of 2,404 neonates was followed to 5 years of age in a rural district in coastal Ecuador. Data on wheeze were collected by questionnaire and atopy was measured by allergen skin prick test reactivity to 10 allergens at 5 years. Stool samples from mothers and children were examined for geohelminths by microscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 2,090 (86.9%) children were evaluated at 5 years. Geohelminths were observed in 45.5% of mothers and in 34.1% of children by 3 years. Wheeze and asthma were reported for 12.6% and 5.7% of children, respectively, whereas 14.0% had skin test reactivity at 5 years. Maternal geohelminths were associated with an increased risk of wheeze (adjusted odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.88), whereas childhood geohelminths over the first 3 years of life were associated with reduced risk of wheeze (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.96) and asthma (adjusted odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.94) but not skin prick test reactivity. The effects on wheeze/asthma were greatest with later age of first infection, were observed only in skin test-negative children, but were not associated with parasite burden or specific geohelminths. CONCLUSIONS Although maternal exposures to geohelminths may increase childhood wheeze, childhood geohelminths during the first 3 years may provide protection through a nonallergic mechanism. Registered as an observational study (ISRCTN41239086).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Cooper
- 1 Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, de la Salud y la Vida, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.,2 Laboratorio de Investigaciones FEPIS, Quininde, Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador.,3 Institute of Infection and Immunity and
| | - Martha E Chico
- 2 Laboratorio de Investigaciones FEPIS, Quininde, Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador
| | - Maritza G Vaca
- 2 Laboratorio de Investigaciones FEPIS, Quininde, Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador
| | - Carlos A Sandoval
- 2 Laboratorio de Investigaciones FEPIS, Quininde, Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador
| | - Sofia Loor
- 2 Laboratorio de Investigaciones FEPIS, Quininde, Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador
| | - Leila D Amorim
- 4 Instituto de Saude Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; and
| | - Laura C Rodrigues
- 5 Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mauricio L Barreto
- 4 Instituto de Saude Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; and
| | - David P Strachan
- 6 Population Health Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Hallstrand TS, Leuppi JD, Joos G, Hall GL, Carlsen KH, Kaminsky DA, Coates AL, Cockcroft DW, Culver BH, Diamant Z, Gauvreau GM, Horvath I, de Jongh FHC, Laube BL, Sterk PJ, Wanger J. ERS technical standard on bronchial challenge testing: pathophysiology and methodology of indirect airway challenge testing. Eur Respir J 2018; 52:13993003.01033-2018. [PMID: 30361249 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01033-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recently, this international task force reported the general considerations for bronchial challenge testing and the performance of the methacholine challenge test, a "direct" airway challenge test. Here, the task force provides an updated description of the pathophysiology and the methods to conduct indirect challenge tests. Because indirect challenge tests trigger airway narrowing through the activation of endogenous pathways that are involved in asthma, indirect challenge tests tend to be specific for asthma and reveal much about the biology of asthma, but may be less sensitive than direct tests for the detection of airway hyperresponsiveness. We provide recommendations for the conduct and interpretation of hyperpnoea challenge tests such as dry air exercise challenge and eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea that provide a single strong stimulus for airway narrowing. This technical standard expands the recommendations to additional indirect tests such as hypertonic saline, mannitol and adenosine challenge that are incremental tests, but still retain characteristics of other indirect challenges. Assessment of airway hyperresponsiveness, with direct and indirect tests, are valuable tools to understand and to monitor airway function and to characterise the underlying asthma phenotype to guide therapy. The tests should be interpreted within the context of the clinical features of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teal S Hallstrand
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joerg D Leuppi
- University Clinic of Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Baselland, Liestal, and Medical Faculty University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Guy Joos
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Graham L Hall
- Children's Lung Health, Telethon Kids Institute, School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, and Centre for Child Health Research University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Kai-Håkon Carlsen
- University of Oslo, Institute of Clinical Medicine, and Oslo University Hospital, Division of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - David A Kaminsky
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Allan L Coates
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Translational Medicine, Research Institute-Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald W Cockcroft
- Division of Respirology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Bruce H Culver
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zuzana Diamant
- Dept of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology and QPS-Netherlands, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Dept of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gail M Gauvreau
- Division of Respirology, Dept of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ildiko Horvath
- Dept of Pulmonology, National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Frans H C de Jongh
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Beth L Laube
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter J Sterk
- Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jack Wanger
- Pulmonary Function Testing and Clinical Trials Consultant, Rochester, MN, USA
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Mpairwe H, Amoah AS. Parasites and allergy: Observations from Africa. Parasite Immunol 2018; 41:e12589. [PMID: 30216486 PMCID: PMC6587767 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Population studies from the African continent have observed a marked increase in the prevalence of allergy‐related diseases over the past few decades, but the cause of this rise is not fully understood. The most investigated potential risk factor has been the relationship between exposure to helminths and allergy‐related outcomes. Immunologically, parallels exist between responses to helminths and to allergens as both are associated with elevated levels of immunoglobulin E, increased numbers of T helper 2 cells and other immune cells. However, epidemiological studies from the African continent have found inconsistent results. In this review, observations from population studies carried out in Africa over the last decade that focus on the relationship between helminth infections and allergy‐related outcomes are examined. How these findings advance our understanding of the complex interactions between helminths and allergies at the population level is also explored as well as some of the underlying immune mechanisms involved. This knowledge is important for better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of allergy‐related diseases and has wider global significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Mpairwe
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Abena S Amoah
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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19
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Amoah AS, Boakye DA, Yazdanbakhsh M, van Ree R. Influence of Parasitic Worm Infections on Allergy Diagnosis in Sub-Saharan Africa. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2017; 17:65. [PMID: 28861721 PMCID: PMC5579067 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-017-0733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies from Sub-Saharan Africa indicate that allergies are on the rise in this region especially in urban compared to rural areas. This increase has been linked to improved hygiene, lifestyle changes, and lower exposure to pathogens in childhood. Reduced exposure to parasitic worm (helminth) infections and allergy outcomes has been the focus of a number of population studies over the years. Paradoxically, there are parallels in the immune responses to helminths and to allergies. Both conditions are associated with elevated levels of immunoglobulin E, high numbers of T helper 2 cells, eosinophils, and mast cells. These immune parallels have meant that the diagnosis of allergies in parts of the world where helminths are endemic can be hampered. The aim of this review is to examine observations from population studies conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa that demonstrate how helminth infections influence the parameters used to diagnose allergy outcomes in this region. We explore specifically how helminth infections hinder the in vitro diagnosis of allergic sensitization, influence the clinical manifestations of allergy, and also the effect of anthelmintic treatment on allergy outcomes. Advancing our understanding of how helminths influence allergy diagnosis is imperative for the development of improved tools to assess, diagnose, and treat allergic disorders in both helminth-endemic and non-endemic countries worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abena S Amoah
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Daniel A Boakye
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald van Ree
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Santiago HC, Nutman TB. Human Helminths and Allergic Disease: The Hygiene Hypothesis and Beyond. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:746-753. [PMID: 27573628 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There is much debate about the interaction between helminths and allergic disease. The "Hygiene Hypothesis," a very popular concept among scientists and the lay public, states that infections, especially during childhood, can protect against allergic diseases. Indeed, helminth infections are known to induce regulatory responses in the host that can help the control of inflammation (including allergic inflammation). However, these infections also induce type-2-associated immune responses including helminth-specific IgE that can cross-react against environmental allergens and mediate IgE-driven effector responses. Thus, it is the delicate balance between the parasites' anti- and pro-allergenic effects that define the helminth/allergy interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helton C Santiago
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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21
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Fogarty AW. What have studies of non-industrialized countries told us about the cause of allergic disease? Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 45:87-93. [PMID: 24807225 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The increase in allergic diseases that was observed in countries that had experienced rapid economic growth since the mid-20th century initiated a search for environmental exposures that may explain these phenomena that continues to the present day. Societies that are in the earlier stages of the process of industrialization provide an opportunity to compare the initial stages of economic development and the lifestyle changes that may accompany this, with other communities whose way of life may not have changed appreciably for centuries. These studies have consistently demonstrated higher levels of allergic disease in the relatively affluent populations compared with those who maintain a more traditional lifestyle. Environmental changes that have emerged from these studies that may modify the risk of allergic disease include microbial exposures including parasite infection, pollution, diet and obesity. In addition, food and drug allergies represent a neglected area of research in these countries that may be causing a relatively high burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Fogarty
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, Clinical Science Building, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Obeng BB, Amoah AS, Larbi IA, de Souza DK, Uh HW, Fernández-Rivas M, van Ree R, Rodrigues LC, Boakye DA, Yazdanbakhsh M, Hartgers FC. Schistosome infection is negatively associated with mite atopy, but not wheeze and asthma in Ghanaian schoolchildren. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 44:965-75. [PMID: 24641664 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological evidence suggests that helminth infection and rural living are inversely associated with allergic disorders. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of helminth infections and urban versus rural residence on allergy in schoolchildren from Ghana. METHODS In a cross-sectional study of 1385 children from urban-high socio-economic status (SES), urban-low SES and rural schools, associations between body mass index (BMI), allergen-specific IgE (sIgE), parasitic infections and allergy outcomes were analysed. Allergy outcomes were skin prick test (SPT) reactivity, reported current wheeze and asthma. RESULTS Helminth infections were found predominantly among rural subjects, and the most common were hookworm (9.9%) and Schistosoma spp (9.5%). Being overweight was highest among urban-high SES (14.6%) compared to urban-low SES (5.5%) and rural children (8.6%). The prevalence of SPT reactivity to any allergen was 18.3%, and this was highest among rural children (21.4%) followed by urban-high SES (20.2%) and urban-low SES (10.5%) children. Overall, SPT reactivity to mite (12%) was most common. Wheeze and asthma were reported by 7.9% and 8.3%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, factors associated with mite SPT were BMI (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.28-4.60, P = 0.007), schistosome infection (aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.41) and mite sIgE (aOR 7.40, 95% CI 5.62-9.73, P < 0.001) but not area. However, the association between mite IgE and SPT differed by area and was strongest among urban-high SES children (aOR = 15.58, 95% CI 7.05-34.43, P < 0.001). Compared to rural, urban-low SES area was negatively associated with current wheeze (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.83, P = 0.013). Both mite sIgE and mite SPT were significantly associated with current wheeze and asthma. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Infection with schistosomes appeared to protect against mite SPT reactivity. This needs to be confirmed in future studies, preferably in a longitudinal design where schistosome infections are treated and allergic reactions reassessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B B Obeng
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
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Lopez AD, Williams TN, Levin A, Tonelli M, Singh JA, Burney PGJ, Rehm J, Volkow ND, Koob G, Ferri CP. Remembering the forgotten non-communicable diseases. BMC Med 2014; 12:200. [PMID: 25604462 PMCID: PMC4207624 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-014-0200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The forthcoming post-Millennium Development Goals era will bring about new challenges in global health. Low- and middle-income countries will have to contend with a dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Some of these NCDs, such as neoplasms, COPD, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, cause much health loss worldwide and are already widely recognised as doing so. However, 55% of the global NCD burden arises from other NCDs, which tend to be ignored in terms of premature mortality and quality of life reduction. Here, experts in some of these 'forgotten NCDs' review the clinical impact of these diseases along with the consequences of their ignoring their medical importance, and discuss ways in which they can be given higher global health priority in order to decrease the growing burden of disease and disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Lopez
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Building 379, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC, 3053, Australia.
| | - Thomas N Williams
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College, St Mary's Hospital, London, W21NY, UK.
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, PO Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | - Adeera Levin
- University of British Columbia, St Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street Rm 6010 A, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y8, Canada.
| | - Marcello Tonelli
- , 7th Floor, TRW Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Jasvinder A Singh
- Medicine Service and Center for Surgical Medical Acute care Research and Transitions, VA Medical Center, 510, 20th street South, Birmingham, AL, FOT 805B, USA.
- Department of Medicine at School of Medicine, and Division of Epidemiology at School of Public Health, University of Alabama, 1720 Second Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Peter G J Burney
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK.
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technical Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Addiction Policy, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto (UofT), Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UofT, Toronto, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, UofT, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - George Koob
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-9304, USA.
| | - Cleusa P Ferri
- Institute of Education and Health Sciences, Hospital Alemao Oswaldo Cruz, Rua João Julião, 245 - Bloco D CEP 01323-903, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Psychobiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu, 862- 1o andar, São Paulo, CEP, 04023-062, Brazil.
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Ponte EV, Rasella D, Souza-Machado C, Stelmach R, Barreto ML, Cruz AA. Reduced asthma morbidity in endemic areas for helminth infections: a longitudinal ecological study in Brazil. J Asthma 2014; 51:1022-7. [PMID: 24975567 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2014.936454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate whether endemic areas for helminth infections in Brazil have lower rates of hospital admission due to asthma and whether reduction in helminth endemicity impacts on asthma morbidity. METHODS This was a country-wide ecological study in Brazil. Government databases were the source of information. A cross-sectional analysis accessed the risk of a municipality having high rates of hospital admissions due to asthma according to its records of hospital admissions due to Schistossoma mansoni or intestinal helminth infections. A longitudinal analysis accessed the effect of prevention of helminth infection on asthma morbidity. Data were adjusted for the rates of hospital admissions due to influenza, pneumonia, diarrhea, per capita income, Gini index, number of physicians, proportion of literate inhabitants, urbanization and hospital beds. RESULTS Hospitalization rates due to asthma in the age range of 5-24 years were lower in municipalities endemic for S. mansoni [adjusted OR: 0.992, CI: 0.989-0.994] or for intestinal helminth infections [adjusted OR: 0.994, CI: 0.990-0.997]. Similar results were observed for the age range of 25-64 years. In the longitudinal analysis, municipalities that reduced hospitalizations due to S. mansoni had smaller odds to decrease hospital admissions due to asthma among young populations [adjusted OR: 0.43, CI: 0.22-0.82]. CONCLUSION We conclude that populations exposed to helminths have lower asthma morbidity. Reduction of helminth infection prevalence in low-income populations was associated with a smaller decline in asthma morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Vieira Ponte
- ProAR - Núcleo de Excelência em Asma, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) , Salvador , Brazil
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Wammes LJ, Mpairwe H, Elliott AM, Yazdanbakhsh M. Helminth therapy or elimination: epidemiological, immunological, and clinical considerations. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014; 14:1150-1162. [PMID: 24981042 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(14)70771-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Deworming is rightly advocated to prevent helminth-induced morbidity. Nevertheless, in affluent countries, the deliberate infection of patients with worms is being explored as a possible treatment for inflammatory diseases. Several clinical trials are currently registered, for example, to assess the safety or efficacy of Trichuris suis ova in allergies, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and autism, and the Necator americanus larvae for allergic rhinitis, asthma, coeliac disease, and multiple sclerosis. Studies in animals provide strong evidence that helminths can not only downregulate parasite-specific immune responses, but also modulate autoimmune and allergic inflammatory responses and improve metabolic homoeostasis. This finding suggests that deworming could lead to the emergence of inflammatory and metabolic conditions in countries that are not prepared for these new epidemics. Further studies in endemic countries are needed to assess this risk and to enhance understanding of how helminths modulate inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Studies are similarly needed in non-endemic countries to move helminth-related interventions that show promise in animals, and in phase 1 and 2 studies in human beings, into the therapeutic development pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Wammes
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Harriet Mpairwe
- MRC/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Alison M Elliott
- MRC/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
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Amoah AS, Boakye DA, van Ree R, Yazdanbakhsh M. Parasitic worms and allergies in childhood: insights from population studies 2008-2013. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2014; 25:208-17. [PMID: 24325393 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The last few decades have seen a marked increase in the global prevalence of allergic diseases particularly among children. Among the factors attributed to this rise has been reduced exposure to pathogens during childhood leading to insufficient maturation of the regulatory arm of developing immune systems. Over the years, a number of epidemiological studies have observed an inverse relationship between parasitic worm (helminth) infections and allergies. The purpose of this review is to highlight insights from population studies conducted among children published between 2008 and 2013 that explore the complex dynamics between helminth infections and allergies. These insights include the effect of anthelmintic treatment on allergic responses, an elucidation of immune mechanisms and an examination of helminth-induced immunoglobulin E cross-reactivity. A better understanding of the relationship between helminths and allergies is imperative as research directions move toward harnessing the therapeutic potential of helminths and their products in the treatment of allergic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abena S Amoah
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
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Venero-Fernández SJ, Suárez-Medina R, Mora-Faife EC, García-García G, Valle-Infante I, Gómez-Marrero L, Abreu-Suárez G, González-Valdez J, Fabró-Ortiz DD, Fundora-Hernández H, Venn A, Britton J, Fogarty AW. Risk factors for wheezing in infants born in Cuba. QJM 2013; 106:1023-9. [PMID: 23824939 PMCID: PMC3808789 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hct143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cuba is a unique country, and despite limited economic development, has an excellent health system. However, the prevalence of asthma symptoms in children in Havana, Cuba, is unusually high. AIM As early life exposures are critical to the aetiology of asthma, we have studied environmental influences on the risk of wheezing in Cuban infants. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS A random sample of 2032 children aged 12-15 months living in Havana was selected for inclusion in the cohort. Data were collected using questionnaires administered by researchers. RESULTS Of 2032 infants invited to participate, 1956 (96%) infants provided data. The prevalence of any wheeze was 45%, severe wheeze requiring use of emergency services was 30% and recurrent wheeze on three or more occasions was 20%. The largest adjusted risk factors for any wheeze were presence of eczema [odds ratio (OR) 2.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48-2.94], family history of asthma (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.60-2.62), poor ventilation in the house (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.48-2.67), attendance at nursery (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.24-2.57), male sex (OR1.52; 95% CI 1.19-1.96) and the number of smokers in the house (P < 0.03 for trend), OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.17-2.31) for three or more smokers in the house compared to no smokers in the household. CONCLUSION We have identified several risk factors for any wheeze in young infants living in modern day Cuba. As the prevalence of smoking in the house is high (51%), intervention studies are required to determine effective strategies to improve infant health.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Venero-Fernández
- MSc, Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología, Infanta No 1158 e/ Llinás y Clavel, Código Postal 10300, La Habana, Cuba.
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Levin M, Muloiwa R, Le Souëf P, Motala C. Ascaris sensitization is associated with aeroallergen sensitization and airway hyperresponsiveness but not allergic disease in urban Africa. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 130:265-7. [PMID: 22560477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Amarasekera M, Gunawardena NK, de Silva NR, Douglass JA, O'Hehir RE, Weerasinghe A. Impact of helminth infection on childhood allergic diseases in an area in transition from high to low infection burden. Asia Pac Allergy 2012; 2:122-8. [PMID: 22701862 PMCID: PMC3345325 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.2.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of helminth infections on allergic diseases is still inconclusive. Furthermore, the effect of helminth infections on childhood allergic diseases in a tropical area where prevalence of helminth infections has undergone dramatic changes is not well documented. Objective To investigate the relationship between allergic diseases and helminth infection in a cohort of schoolchildren in an area that has undergone dramatic changes in intensity of helminth infections. Methods Children attending grade 5 were recruited from 17 schools in Western Province of Sri Lanka. They were assessed for allergic diseases using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Their serum total IgE (tIgE) and allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) for five common aeroallergens were measured by ImmunoCAP® method and stools were examined for the presence of helminth infections. Results A total of 640 children (mean age 10 years) were recruited to the study. Of them, 33.7% had evidence of allergic disease and 15.5% had helminth infections. Majority of infections (68.9%) were of low intensity. A significant relationship between allergic disease and helminth infections was not observed, however, a trend toward protective role of helminth infections against allergic diseases was noted. Multivariate analysis showed helminth infections to be an independent predictor of high tIgE levels whereas allergic disease was not. Allergic sensitization (atopy) was a significant risk factor for allergic disease only among non-infected children (odds ratio 3.025, p = 0.022) but not in infected children. The ratio of sIgE to tIgE was higher in non-infected children. Conclusion Though not significant, a reduced risk of allergy in helminth-infected children was observed in this population. A Decrease in intensity of helminth infections may have contributed to the reduced capacity of immune-modulation by helminths in this paediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manori Amarasekera
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama 11010, Sri Lanka
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30
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Commins SP, Kelly LA, Rönmark E, James HR, Pochan SL, Peters EJ, Lundbäck B, Nganga LW, Cooper PJ, Hoskins JM, Eapen SS, Matos LA, McBride DC, Heymann PW, Woodfolk JA, Perzanowski MS, Platts-Mills TAE. Galactose-α-1,3-galactose-specific IgE is associated with anaphylaxis but not asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2012; 185:723-30. [PMID: 22281828 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201111-2017oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE IgE antibodies to the mammalian oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal) are common in the southeastern United States. These antibodies, which are induced by ectoparasitic ticks, can give rise to positive skin tests or serum assays with cat extract. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relationship between IgE antibodies to α-gal and asthma, and compare this with the relationship between asthma and IgE antibodies to Fel d 1 and other protein allergens. METHODS Patients being investigated for recurrent anaphylaxis, angioedema, or acute urticaria underwent spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide, questionnaires, and serum IgE antibody assays. The results were compared with control subjects and cohorts from the emergency department in Virginia (n = 130), northern Sweden (n = 963), and rural Kenya (n = 131). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Patients in Virginia with high-titer IgE antibodies to α-gal had normal lung function, low levels of exhaled nitric oxide, and low prevalence of asthma symptoms. Among patients in the emergency department and children in Kenya, there was no association between IgE antibodies to α-gal and asthma (odds ratios, 1.04 and 0.75, respectively). In Sweden, IgE antibodies to cat were closely correlated with IgE antibodies to Fel d 1 (r = 0.83) and to asthma (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These results provide a model of an ectoparasite-induced specific IgE response that can increase total serum IgE without creating a risk for asthma, and further evidence that the main allergens that are causally related to asthma are those that are inhaled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Commins
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Abstract
The prevalence of respiratory allergic diseases has been increasing in Southern Africa both in urban and in rural environments. Various factors may contribute toward this situation, namely, exposure to aeroallergens, such as grass pollens and house dust mites. However, other irritant environmental triggers, such as exposure to tobacco smoke and certain indoor and outdoor fumes, may also play a relevant part. Furthermore, certain parasitic and mycobacterial infections may act as allergic disease risk modifiers, although such an influence should be confirmed. Finally, certain cultural and socioeconomic factors may also influence accessibility to healthcare and adherence to treatment of these diseases.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The objective is to discuss recent progress in our understanding of the role of the indoor environment in asthma, focusing on the special role of cat allergens. RECENT FINDINGS Sensitization to Fel d 1 is the dominant event in inhalant responses to cat; however, there are also IgE responses to the lipocalin (Fel d 4), to cat albumin (Fel d 2), and to the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) on cat IgA (Fel d 5w) and other molecules. The dose response and routes of sensitization for these allergens are now thought to be diverse. It is important to remember that exposure outside a house with a cat is sufficient to cause sensitization. Furthermore, the only solid evidence about a role in asthma relates to Fel d 1. Recently, it has been shown that tolerance associated with early exposure to cats can persist to age 18 and that IgE to alpha-gal (on cat IgA) is not related to asthma. In addition, a recent study of anti-IgE reinforces the evidence that IgE antibodies to indoor allergens make a major contribution to asthma severity. SUMMARY Exposure to Fel d 1 in a home with a cat is far higher than the levels necessary to induce an allergic (IgE antibody) response. In keeping with that, children may develop tolerance, which can be long-lived. In addition, there is increasing evidence that IgE antibodies to an inhalant allergen, such as Fel d 1, dust mite, or cockroach, are causally related to lung inflammation and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libby A. Kelly
- University of Virginia Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Elizabeth A. Erwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, NationwideChildren's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
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Bager P, Vinkel Hansen A, Wohlfahrt J, Melbye M. Helminth infection does not reduce risk for chronic inflammatory disease in a population-based cohort study. Gastroenterology 2012; 142:55-62. [PMID: 21983081 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Parasitic helminth infections can suppress symptoms of allergy, type 1 diabetes, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease in animal models. We analyzed data from a large, population-based cohort study to determine whether common childhood enterobiasis protects against these diseases. METHODS We collected information on individual prescriptions filled for the drug mebendazole against Enterobius vermicularis for all children born in Denmark 1995-2008 from the National Register of Medicinal Product Statistics (n = 924,749; age 0-14 years); 132,383 of these children (14%) filled a prescription for mebendazole, 102,482 of the children (11%) had a household peer who was registered with a filled mebendazole prescription, and the remaining 689,884 children (75%) comprised the reference group. Children diagnosed with asthma, type 1 diabetes, juvenile arthritis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease were identified from the National Patient Registry. We used Poisson regression to estimate confounder-adjusted incidence rate ratios for first in- or outpatient hospital diagnosis of chronic inflammatory disease according to history of mebendazole treatment prescribed to children in the study. RESULTS Chronic inflammatory disease was diagnosed in 10,352 children during 6.4 million person-years of follow-up. The incidence rate ratios was 1.07 for asthma (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.13), 1.05 for type 1 diabetes (95% CI: 0.79-1.12), 1.13 for juvenile arthritis (95% CI: 0.94-1.37), 0.77 for ulcerative colitis (95% CI: 0.41-1.46), and 1.44 for Crohn's disease (95% CI: 0.82-2.53). Results were not modified by number of treatments or age at treatment. CONCLUSIONS Based on a population-based analysis, enterobiasis does not reduce risk for asthma, type 1 diabetes, arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bager
- Statens Serum Institut, Department of Epidemiology Research, Copenhagen S, Denmark.
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Platts-Mills TAE, Woodfolk JA. Allergens and their role in the allergic immune response. Immunol Rev 2011; 242:51-68. [PMID: 21682738 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2011.01021.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Allergens are recognized as the proteins that induce immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses in humans. The proteins come from a range of sources and, not surprisingly, have many different biological functions. However, the delivery of allergens to the nose is exclusively on particles, which carry a range of molecules in addition to the protein allergens. These molecules include pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that can alter the response. Although the response to allergens is characterized by IgE antibodies, it also includes other isotypes (IgG, IgA, and IgG4), as well as T cells. The challenge is to identify the characteristics of these exposures that favor the production of this form of response. The primary features of the exposure appear to be the delivery in particles, such as pollen grains or mite feces, containing both proteins and PAMPs, but with overall low dose. Within this model, there is a simple direct relationship between the dose of exposure to mite or grass pollen and the prevalence of IgE responses. By contrast, the highest levels of exposure to cat allergen are associated with a lower prevalence of IgE responses. Although the detailed mechanisms for this phenomenon are not clear, it appears that enhanced production of interleukin-10 in response to specific Fel d 1 peptides could influence the response. However, it is striking that the animal sources that are most clearly associated with decreased responses at high allergen dose are derived from animals from which humans evolved more recently (∼65 million years ago). Although the nose is still recognized as the primary route for sensitization to inhalant allergens, there is increasing evidence that the skin is also an important site for the generation of IgE antibody responses. By contrast, it is now evident that delivery of foreign proteins by the oral route or sublingually will favor the generation of tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A E Platts-Mills
- Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1355, USA.
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Stevens W, Addo-Yobo E, Roper J, Woodcock A, James H, Platts-Mills T, Custovic A. Differences in both prevalence and titre of specific immunoglobulin E among children with asthma in affluent and poor communities within a large town in Ghana. Clin Exp Allergy 2011; 41:1587-94. [PMID: 21810123 PMCID: PMC3505371 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03832.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports from several African countries have noted an increasing prevalence of asthma in areas of extensive urbanization. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relevance of allergen-specific sensitization and body mass index (BMI) to asthma/wheezing and exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) among children from affluent and poorer communities within a large town in Ghana. METHODS Children with physician-diagnosed asthma and/or current wheezing aged 9-16 years (n=99; cases) from three schools with differing socio-economic backgrounds [urban affluent (UA), urban poor (UP) or suburban/rural (SR)] were recruited from a cross-sectional study (n=1848) in Kumasi, Ghana, and matched according to age, sex and area of residence with non-asthmatic/non-wheezy controls. We assayed sera for IgE antibodies to mite, cat, dog, cockroach, Ascaris and galactose-α-1,3-galactose. RESULTS Children from the UA school had the lowest total serum IgE. However, cases from the UA school had a higher prevalence and mean titre of sIgE to mite (71.4%, 21.2 IU/mL) when compared with controls (14.3%, 0.8 IU/mL) or cases from UP (30%, 0.8 IU/mL) and SR community (47.8%, 1.6 IU/mL). While similar findings were observed with EIB in the whole population, among cases there was no difference in IgE antibody prevalence or titre between children with or without EIB. BMI was higher among UA children with and without asthma; in UP and SR communities, children with EIB (n=14) had a significantly higher BMI compared with children with asthma/wheezing without EIB (n=38) (18.2 vs. 16.4, respectively, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In the relatively affluent school, asthma/wheezing and EIB were associated with high titre IgE antibodies to mite, decreased total IgE, and increased BMI. This contrasted with children in the urban poor school and suggests that changes relevant to a Western model of childhood asthma can occur within a short geographical distance within a large city in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Stevens
- University of Virginia Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2011; 11:150-6. [PMID: 21368622 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0b013e3283457ab0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Impaired allergy diagnostics among parasite-infected patients caused by IgE antibodies to the carbohydrate epitope galactose-α 1,3-galactose. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011; 127:1024-8. [PMID: 21376382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The carbohydrate epitope galactose-α 1,3-galactose (α-Gal) is abundantly expressed on nonprimate mammalian proteins. We have recently shown that α-Gal is responsible for the IgE binding to cat IgA, a newly identified cat allergen (Fel d 5). OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the diagnostic relevance of IgE antibodies to Fel d 5 and α-Gal among parasite-infected patients from central Africa without cat allergy compared with patients with cat allergy from the same region. METHODS Sera from 47 parasite-infected patients and 31 patients with cat allergy were analyzed for total IgE and IgE antibodies against cat dander extract (CDE) by using the ImmunoCAP system. Inhibition assay was performed with α-Gal on solid phase-bound CDE. The presence of IgE specific for the major cat allergen Fel d 1, Fel d 5, and α-Gal was analyzed by means of ELISA. RESULTS Among the 47 parasite-infected patients, 85% had IgE antibodies against α-Gal (OD; median, 0.175; range, 0.102-1.466) and 66% against Fel d 5 (OD; median, 0.13; range, 0.103-1.285). Twenty-four of the parasite-infected patients were sensitized to CDE, and 21 of them had IgE antibodies to Fel d 5 and α-Gal. There was no correlation between IgE levels to CDE and rFel d 1 among the parasite-infected patients but a strong correlation between CDE and Fel d 5 and α-Gal (P < .001). Among the group with cat allergy, only 5 patients had IgE to α-Gal, and nearly 75% (n = 23) had IgE to rFel d 1 (median, 7.07 kU(A)/L; range, 0.51-148.5 kU(A)/L). In contrast, among the patients with cat allergy, there was a correlation between IgE levels to CDE and rFel d 1 (P < .05) but no correlation between CDE and Fel d 5 and α-Gal. CONCLUSION IgE to α-Gal causes impaired allergy diagnostics in parasite-infected patients. Screening for IgE to rFel d 1 and other allergens without carbohydrates might identify patients with true cat sensitization/allergy in parasite-infested areas.
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Szefler SJ. Advances in pediatric asthma in 2010: addressing the major issues. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011; 127:102-15. [PMID: 21211645 PMCID: PMC3032272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Last year's "Advances in pediatric asthma" concluded with the following statement: "If we can close these [remaining] gaps through better communication, improvements in the health care system and new insights into treatment, we will move closer to better methods to intervene early in the course of the disease and induce clinical remission as quickly as possible in most children." This year's summary will focus on recent advances in pediatric asthma that take steps moving forward as reported in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology publications in 2010. Some of these recent reports show us how to improve asthma management through steps to better understand the natural history of asthma, individualize asthma care, reduce asthma exacerbations, and manage inner-city asthma and some potential new ways to use available medications to improve asthma control. It is clear that we have made many significant gains in managing asthma in children, but we have a ways to go to prevent asthma exacerbations, alter the natural history of the disease, and reduce health disparities in asthma care. Perhaps new directions in personalized medicine and improved health care access and communication will help maintain steady progress in alleviating the burden of this disease in children, especially young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley J Szefler
- Division of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo. 80206, USA.
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Santiago HC, Bennuru S, Boyd A, Eberhard M, Nutman TB. Structural and immunologic cross-reactivity among filarial and mite tropomyosin: implications for the hygiene hypothesis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 127:479-86. [PMID: 21185070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hygiene hypothesis suggests that parasitic infection modulates host immune responses and decreases atopy. Other data suggest parasitic infections may induce allergic responsiveness. OBJECTIVE To assess the structural and immunologic relationships between the known Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 10) tropomyosin allergen and filarial tropomyosin of Onchocerca volvulus (OvTrop). METHODS The molecular, structural, and immunologic relationships between OvTrop and Der p 10 were compared. Levels of OvTrop-specific and Der p 10-specific IgE, IgG, and IgG₄ in sera of filaria-infected and filarial-uninfected D pteronyssinus-atopic individuals were compared, as were the responses in nonhuman primates infected with the filarial parasite Loa loa. Cross-reactivity was compared by antigen-mediated depletion assays and functionality by passive basophil sensitization. RESULTS Filarial and mite tropomyosins were very similar, with 72% identity at the amino acid level, and overlapping predicted 3-dimensional structures. The prevalence of IgE and IgG to Der p 10 was increased in filaria-infected individuals compared with uninfected subjects. There was a strong correlation between serum levels of Ov- and Der p 10-tropomyosin-specific IgE, IgG, and IgG₄ (P < .0001; r > 0.79). Preincubation of sera from anti-Der p 10-positive subjects with OvTrop completely depleted IgE, IgG, and IgG₄ anti-Der p 10. Basophils sensitized with sera from individuals allergic to Der p 10 released histamine similarly when triggered with OvTrop or Der p 10. Primates experimentally infected with L loa developed IgE that cross-reacted with Der p 10. CONCLUSION Filarial infection induces strong cross-reactive antitropomyosin antibody responses that may affect sensitization and regulation of allergic reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helton C Santiago
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Platts-Mills TAE, Cooper PJ. Differences in asthma between rural and urban communities in South Africa and other developing countries. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 125:106-7. [PMID: 20109742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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