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Pityrosporum ovale and atopic dermatitis in children and young adults
A Broberg1, J Faergemann, S Johansson
1Department of Dermatology, University of Gothenburg, Stockholm.
Insights
Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) and other allergic conditions show IgE antibodies to Pityrosporum ovale. Skin colonization by P. ovale is common, but specific IgE indicates atopy, especially in AD.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Allergology
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition.
- The role of microbial colonization in atopic diseases is under investigation.
- Pityrosporum ovale (P. ovale) is a yeast commonly found on the skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between skin colonization by P. ovale and the presence of specific IgE antibodies to P. ovale in children.
- To compare P. ovale colonization and IgE response in children with AD, other atopic diseases (rhinoconjunctivitis/asthma), and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Cultured P. ovale from the skin of children aged 0-21 years.
- Measured IgE antibodies to P. ovale using skin prick tests and RAST.
- Assessed IgE and IgG antibodies to P. ovale, Candida albicans, and Cladosporium herbarum via RAST.
Main Results:
- P. ovale colonization occurred with similar frequency in children with AD, other atopic diseases, and healthy controls.
- Specific IgE antibodies against P. ovale were detected only in children with atopy.
- Higher frequency of IgE antibodies to P. ovale was observed in children with AD compared to those with other atopic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Skin colonization by P. ovale is not exclusive to atopic individuals.
- The presence of specific IgE antibodies to P. ovale is a marker of atopy.
- Children with atopic dermatitis exhibit a more pronounced IgE response to P. ovale compared to other atopic children.
Abstract:
Children aged 0-21 years, 60 children with atopic dermatitis (AD), 40 children with rhinoconjunctivitis and or asthma (RA) and 40 children with no atopic history (HC) were studied to evaluate the relationship between skin colonisation with Pityrosporum ovale and the occurrence of specific IgE antibodies to P. ovale. The following studies were done: culture for P. ovale, measurement of IgE antibodies to P. ovale (skin prick test, RAST), Candida albicans, and Cladosporium herbarum (RAST) and IgG antibodies to P. ovale. P. ovale could be cultured with about the same frequency in children and young adults with AD and age-matched children with or without other atopic manifestations. In spite of similar colonisation, IgE antibodies against P. ovale occur only in atopy and more frequently in children with AD than in those with other types of atopic disease.