Development of allergy in children. I. Association with virus infections
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Children with allergic parents face high allergy risks. Viral infections, like upper respiratory infections (URI), may trigger allergic sensitization in these children, suggesting a link between viruses and allergy development.
Area Of Science
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background
- Children with two allergic parents have a high risk of developing allergies within the first five years of life.
- External factors influencing the allergic sensitization process require further investigation.
Purpose Of The Study
- To prospectively observe clinical and immunological changes in high-risk children.
- To identify potential external factors contributing to allergic sensitization.
Main Methods
- A prospective study of 13 children from allergic families.
- Serial clinical and immunological observations at 3-6 month intervals over 1-4 years.
- Immunological assessments included RAST, leukocyte histamine release, lymphoblastogenesis, and serum IgE levels.
Main Results
- Eleven of the 13 children developed clinical allergies, with 5 diagnosed with asthma.
- Immunological evidence of allergic sensitization was found in these 11 children.
- Upper respiratory infections (URI) preceded allergic sensitization by 1-2 months in 10 children.
- Increased complement-fixing antibodies to viruses (parainfluenza, RSV, CMV) coincided with the onset of allergic sensitization.
Conclusions
- Certain viruses may play a role in the allergic sensitization process in genetically predisposed children.
- The timing of URI and viral antibody increases suggests a potential viral contribution to allergy development.