Antibacterial IgE antibodies in children

The presence of specific IgE antibodies directed against common microorganisms was analyzed in a population of children. These antibodies included Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. The determination of these antibodies was done by radioimmunoassay. Comparisons were made according to the parameters of age and total IgE levels. These antibodies were found in a high proportion of the cases. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the different specific IgE antibodies were present in all children, none showing special relevance. All of the antibodies studied were found to be present in a higher number of cases in the groups of older children, and in the group of children with increased total IgE levels, a significantly higher number of cases with antibacterial specific IgE antibodies was observed. The presence and the variety of the antibodies might be conditioned by individual as well as environmental factors. The role of antibodies is not well known. Although they are frequently found in allergic children, there have not been enough cases studied to establish their involvement in allergy. Understanding the role of antibodies might be of interest in the study of allergic processes exacerbated by bacterial infections.