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Parental TB associated with offspring asthma and rhinitis
J P López-Cervantes1, R Shigdel2, S Accordini3
1Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Summary
Parental tuberculosis (TB) in childhood or before conception is linked to increased asthma risk in offspring, particularly through the maternal line. This suggests potential immune and epigenetic influences across generations.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Early-life infections are linked to asthma and allergies.
- The impact of parental infection on offspring health, specifically asthma and rhinitis, is understudied.
- Parental tuberculosis (TB) history is investigated as a potential factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between parental TB before offspring conception and the development of asthma and rhinitis in offspring.
- To determine if the timing of parental TB (childhood, preconception, or post-birth) influences offspring outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study included 2,965 offspring and 1,790 parents from Norwegian registries (prescription and TB).
- Parental TB history was categorized by timing relative to offspring birth (<8 years, ≥8 years preconception, after birth).
- Logistic regression analyzed associations between parental TB and offspring asthma/rhinitis, defined by diagnosis and medication use.
Main Results:
- Parental TB in childhood (OR 1.73) or later preconception (OR 1.38) was associated with increased asthma risk in offspring compared to parental TB after birth.
- These associations were significant primarily in the maternal line (childhood: OR 1.95; later preconception: OR 1.74).
- No significant associations were found for rhinitis.
Conclusions:
- Parental TB, especially during childhood, is associated with a higher risk of asthma in offspring.
- Maternal TB may impact offspring immunity, potentially through type 2 immune dysregulation and epigenetic reprogramming.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking parental TB to offspring asthma risk.
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