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Effects of poor hygiene on cytokine phenotypes in children in the tropics

C A Figueiredo1, L D Amorim2, M Vaca3

  • 1Instituto de Ciencias da Saude, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.

The World Allergy Organization Journal
|November 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study identified distinct immune system profiles in Ecuadorian schoolchildren, linking specific cytokine patterns to environmental factors like intestinal worms and birth order. These findings offer insights into how poor hygiene influences immune responses and related diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Immune system responses are influenced by environmental exposures.
  • Understanding cytokine profiles is crucial for identifying immune-mediated diseases.
  • Childhood infections and environmental factors play a significant role in immune development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize immune phenotypes based on innate and adaptive cytokine production in schoolchildren.
  • To investigate the association between environmental exposures, including intestinal parasites and birth order, and immune profiles.
  • To explore how latent class analysis can identify distinct immune phenotypes.

Main Methods:

  • Latent class analysis (LCA) was employed to group 310 Ecuadorian schoolchildren based on their cytokine profiles.
  • Cytokine production (spontaneous and SEB-stimulated) was measured in whole blood cultures.
  • Environmental exposures and intestinal parasite data were collected via questionnaires and stool sample examinations.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct immune phenotypes were identified: hyporesponsive and Th2-modified.
  • These phenotypes were significantly associated with the presence of intestinal worms and birth order.
  • Latent class analysis with covariates confirmed the influence of predictors on immune profile membership.

Conclusions:

  • Environmental factors, particularly poor hygiene indicated by intestinal worms, shape distinct immune phenotypes in children.
  • The identified immune profiles provide insights into the immunologic mechanisms underlying immune-mediated diseases.
  • Birth order is also a significant factor influencing immune system development and response.

Keywords:
CytokinesEnvironmentHygieneLatent class analysisLatin AmericaTropics

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