Association of Intestinal Helminth Infection with Atopy and Allergic Symptoms in Young Children in Batu, Ethiopia
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Date
2017-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
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
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Keywords
Atopy, Helminths, Allergy