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Allergic sensitisation in tuberculosis and leprosy patients
L K Ellertsen1, H G Wiker, N T Egeberg
1Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Immunology, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway. Linda.Katherine.Nilsen@fhi.no
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|October 8, 2005
Summary
Mycobacterial infections, including tuberculosis and leprosy, are linked to increased allergic sensitization. This challenges the hygiene hypothesis, suggesting a potential predisposition to allergy may reduce resistance to infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Studies suggest a negative association between infections and allergies.
- Investigated allergy prevalence in tuberculosis and leprosy patients compared to healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if tuberculosis and leprosy patients exhibit higher or lower rates of allergies than healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between mycobacterial infections and allergic sensitization.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed sera from tuberculosis patients, leprosy patients, and healthy controls using ELISA and Pharmacia Unicap.
- Measured serological markers for allergy (total IgE, specific IgE, Der p 1 specific IgE) and mycobacterial infection (specific IgG to BCG, manLAM, antigen 85B).
Main Results:
- Tuberculosis and leprosy patients showed significantly higher total IgE levels than controls.
- Tuberculosis patients had significantly higher specific IgE (Phadiatop); a similar trend was observed in leprosy patients.
- Elevated specific IgG to antigen 85B and manLAM was found in both patient groups, indicating active mycobacterial infection.
Conclusions:
- Patients with mycobacterial infections demonstrate increased allergic sensitization compared to healthy individuals.
- This finding contrasts with the 'hygiene hypothesis', suggesting a potential link between allergy predisposition and susceptibility to mycobacterial infections.