Association of allergic sensitization with infectious diseases burden in Roma and non‐Roma children

Abstract

The hypothesis whether exposure to certain infections protects from atopy remains equivocal. To further investigate this, we compared serologic markers of infection and allergic sensitization prevalence in Roma children, who live under unfavorable hygienic conditions that facilitate the spread of infections, and non-Roma children who live in the same area. Analyses included 98 Roma and 118 non-Roma children. Serum IgG antibodies for 13 foodborne- airborne- and bloodborne infectious agents were determined, and a cumulative index of exposure was calculated by adding one point for each positive infection. Specific serum IgE to certain common food- and aero-allergens was also tested. and positivity to any of them was defined as indication of atopy. Roma children were found significantly more seropositive for T. gondii, Hepatitis A, H. pylori, HSV-1, CMV, and Hepatitis B (p < 0.0001). Non-Roma children were found more seropositive for RSV and M. pneumonia (p < 0.0001). Regarding the overall prevalence of atopy or the specific IgE responses to the allergens tested, no statistically significant differences were found between Roma and non-Roma children. A positive association of the cumulative index of exposure to infections with atopy was found in the non-Roma children (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.08-1.75, p = 0.01) and in the total population (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.11-1.83, p = 0.01). Regarding the specific infectious agents tested, a statistically significant positive association of atopy with seropositivity was found for M. pneumoniae in the non-Roma children (OR: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.39) as well as in the total population studied (OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.32-6.07, p = 0.01). Despite the higher burden of exposure to the battery of the infectious agents tested among Roma children, no protective effect for allergic disease development was evident. On the contrary, a positive association of exposure to infections with evidence of atopy was found, especially evident in the non-Roma children.

Is Helicobacter Pylori infection inversely associated with atopy? A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…When the meta‐analysis was split by atopy definition, a nonsignificantly reduced OR of 0.88 (95% CI 0.76 – 1.03, P = 0.11, I 2 = 0.0%) was obtained from pooling the six studies that assessed atopy using SPT , whilst the pooled OR for the seven studies that assessed atopy based on SIgE was stronger and statistically significant (OR = 0.75, 95% CI; 0.63 – 0.92, P < 0.01, I 2 = 17.6%). Only three studies used a combined measure to define atopy resulting in a reduced but nonsignificant pooled OR of 0.82 (95% CI; 0.59 – 1.14, P = 0.24, I 2 = 0.0%, Fig.…”

“…Of the 22 studies eligible for review, seventeen used a cross‐sectional design , three used a case–control design , and two used a cohort design . The majority of the studies were undertaken in adults from 18 to 74 years, with only six performed in children (aged 3 – 17 years) and one in both children and adults . The total number of individuals in all 22 studies eligible for review was 21 348 (Table ).…”

“…Of the 16 studies included in the meta‐analysis, atopy was defined using a positive skin sensitization test (wheal sizes of ≥ 3 mm) in six studies , using specific IgE in seven , and using a combined measure (SPT and SIgE) in three. (Table ).…”

Predictors of Epstein-Barr virus serostatus and implications for vaccine policy: A systematic review of the literature

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The impact of probiotics' administration on glycemic control, body composition, gut microbiome, mitochondria, and other hormonal signals in adolescents with prediabetes – A randomized, controlled trial study protocol

“…An increasing body of literature reports associations between the gut microbiome, body composition, and chronic, non-communicable diseases, building the groundwork for a hypothesis that suggests modulation of the intestinal microbiota as the factor linking the environment with host genetics. Intestinal epithelial cells emerge as key mediators in the inflammation, and immunity of mucosal tissues [ 65 ].…”