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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
13:28
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Association between protozoa in sputum and asthma: a case-control study.
Hugo C van Woerden1, Adriana Ratier-Cruz, Olabode B Aleshinloye
1Community Health Sciences, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK. vanwoerdenh1@cf.ac.uk
Respiratory Medicine
|December 9, 2010
Summary
Flagellated protozoa were found more frequently in the sputum of asthma patients compared to non-asthmatic controls. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential anti-protozoal treatments for asthma.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pulmonology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Atypical infectious agents are implicated in asthma pathogenesis.
- Novel staining methods allow for flagellated protozoa identification in sputum.
- This study investigates the link between protozoa and asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if protozoa are more prevalent in asthmatics than non-asthmatics.
- To assess the association between protozoa presence and steroid inhaler use.
- To examine the relationship between protozoa and damp housing conditions.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study design.
- Induced sputum samples collected from asthma patients and controls.
- Sputum examination for flagellated protozoa using a novel staining technique.
- Questionnaires on asthma severity and housing conditions.
Main Results:
- Protozoa were identified in 66.7% of asthmatics versus 30.8% of controls (p=0.046).
- No significant association found between protozoa and steroid inhaler use (p=0.11).
- No significant association found between protozoa and damp housing (p=0.92).
Conclusions:
- A case-control study indicates an association between sputum flagellated protozoa and asthma.
- Further genetic characterization of protozoa using 18S ribosomal RNA is recommended.
- Investigating anti-protozoal agents for asthma symptom improvement is warranted.
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