Browsing by Author "Walelign, Sosina"

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    Association of Intestinal Helminth Infection with Atopy and Allergic Symptoms in Young Children in Batu, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2017-06) Walelign, Sosina; Tsegaye, Aster (PhD)
    Background: Helminths are potent immunomodulators and chronic infections may protect against allergy-related disease and atopy. They are also known for inducing allergic conditions. This study was aimed to assess the association between helminths and atopy and allergic conditions. Objective: To assess the association between intestinal helminth infection and atopy/allergic outcomes in young children in Batu, Ethiopia. Methods: Questionnaire data on allergic symptoms and a range of confounding variables was gathered in a cross-sectional study of 461 children aged from 2 to 14 years from Batu. Allergic skin sensitization to house dust mite and cockroach was measured, and a stool sample collected for qualitative and quantitative geohelminth analysis. Serum IgE using ELISA and Manual eosinophil count were measured. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Overall sensitivity to both allergens was 2.6 %. Self - reported allergic outcomes in the last 12 months for the 461 participants had been; wheeze (3.7%), asthma (2.2%), eczema (13.2%), and hay fever (6.9%). A burden of 8.1% (36/444) was recorded for helminths. A borderline significant association was found between atopy and any allergy symptoms [OR 3.32 (95% CI: 0.99, 11.1), P = 0.052]. There was no significant association between helminths and atopy [OR 0.64 (95% CI: 0.29, 1.41) p = 0.268] and also between helminths and allergic symptoms [OR 0.64 (95% CI: 0.29, 1.41) p = 0.268]. Bivariate analysis showed keeping animas in the house associated with atopy while maternal and paternal history of allergy associated with allergic symptoms in the children. Conclusion: Contrary to the majority of related studies that reported a positive or negative association between helminths and allergy-related outcomes, we found no relation between the two. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to further elucidate the controversy. Keywords: Atopy, helminths, Allergy, IgE