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Does pertussis infection induce manifestation of allergy?
A Schuster1, A Hofmann, D Reinhardt
1Kinderklinik der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf.
Insights
Pertussis infection may trigger the development of allergies in children. Researchers observed a significant increase in immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels after pertussis, indicating a potential link to allergic sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory illness.
- The relationship between childhood infections and the development of allergies is not fully understood.
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a key antibody involved in allergic reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if pertussis infection can induce the development of allergic conditions in children.
- To assess changes in serum IgE levels and allergic sensitization following pertussis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 25 children diagnosed with pertussis.
- Allergy diagnostics, including medical history, skin prick tests, serum IgE, and radio-allergosorbent tests (RAST), were conducted during infection and at follow-up (8-14 months later).
- Comparison with an age-matched control group.
Main Results:
- Serum IgE levels significantly increased from 62 +/- 30 kU/ml during pertussis to 137 +/- 51 kU/ml at follow-up.
- Elevated IgE levels at follow-up were significantly higher than in the control group.
- Children with a family history of allergy or personal history of allergic disease were at higher risk for IgE increase or new allergic sensitizations.
Conclusions:
- Pertussis infection may play a role in inducing IgE production in children.
- The findings suggest a potential link between pertussis and the subsequent development of allergic conditions.
- Family and personal history of allergy are risk factors for allergic responses post-pertussis.
Abstract:
To evaluate whether pertussis induces the development of allergy, a prospective study was performed in 25 children aged 0.8-12.2 years. The patients underwent allergy diagnostics during pertussis infection and at a follow-up visit 8-14 months later. Diagnostic criteria included the medical history of the patients and their families, a modified skin prick test, measurement of serum IgE and radio-allergosorbent test screening for specific sensitizations. At the time of pertussis, serum IgE concentration in the study group was 62 +/- 30 kU/ml. At the follow-up visit, there was a significant increase in serum IgE to 137 +/- 51 kU/ml, which was also significantly higher than IgE in an age-matched control group. Children at a significantly higher risk for developing IgE increase or new allergic sensitizations were those with a family history of allergy or potentially allergic disease in their personal history. Our results indicate that pertussis may induce IgE production in affected children.