Atopic disease and its determinants -- a focus on the potential role of childhood infection

Clin Exp Allergy. 2004 Aug;34(8):1184-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.02016.x.

Abstract

Background: Atopic diseases develop on a genetic background and are modulated by environmental factors among which some infectious diseases are thought to have a protective influence.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of infectious diseases in younger ages, bacterial and viral, on atopic diseases and sensitization to aero- and food-allergens in adults.

Methods: A population-based sample of 4262 subjects aged 25-74 years were interviewed concerning their history of infectious disease within the first 18 years of life. Information about allergic disease, including atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma was obtained. A blood sample was drawn and analysed for allergen-specific IgE antibodies against food- and aero-allergens.

Results: Multiple logistic regression analyses identified viral infection to be associated with AR (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.39; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.13-1.72) and sensitization to aeroallergens (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.05-1.41). Bacterial disease was a negative predictor for atopy development in the subgroup of patients sensitized to nutritional allergens with concomitant atopic eczema (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.11-0.99), AR (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.42-1.07), or asthma (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19-0.87). Influences of viral and bacterial infection on AR differed with regard to family history of atopic disease.

Conclusion: In our study population, history of viral infection was consistently positively associated with AR. Our data suggests that bacterial infections might be preventive for specific subgroups of atopy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Cats
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Hypersensitivity / genetics
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Infections / complications*
  • Infections / immunology
  • Logistic Models
  • Middle Aged
  • Rural Population
  • Sex Factors
  • Virus Diseases / complications

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin E