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Familial Mediterranean fever is associated with higher atopic morbidity: evidence from a countrywide case-control

Adi Ovadia1, Revital Perlov Gavze2, Liat Lev-Shalem2

  • 1Medical Division, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Department, Wolfson Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. in Practice
|July 23, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

No abstract available in PubMed .

Insights

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is linked to more atopic disorders, challenging the idea of a protective Th1 effect. Clinicians should screen FMF patients for atopic conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disease.
  • The role of T-helper 1 (Th1) immune responses in FMF pathogenesis is debated.
  • Atopic disorders, like asthma and eczema, involve different immune pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between FMF and the prevalence of atopic disorders.
  • To evaluate whether FMF exhibits a protective effect against atopic conditions, potentially mediated by Th1 immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a large population-based cohort for observational analysis.
  • Examined the co-occurrence of FMF diagnosis with common atopic disorders.
  • Statistical methods were employed to assess the association, controlling for relevant factors.

Main Results:

  • A higher prevalence of atopic disorders was observed in individuals with FMF.
  • The findings did not support a protective role of FMF against atopic conditions.
  • The data suggest a potential link between FMF and increased susceptibility to atopy.

Conclusions:

  • The association indicates that FMF is not protective against atopic disorders.
  • Atopic comorbidity is a relevant consideration in the clinical management of FMF patients.
  • Routine assessment for atopic conditions should be integrated into FMF care pathways.

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