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Measles and atopy in Guinea-Bissau
S O Shaheen1, P Aaby, A J Hall
1Medical Research Council Environmental Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southhampton General Hospital, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|June 29, 1996
Summary
Childhood measles infection may protect against atopy, a type of allergic sensitization. This study in Guinea-Bissau found a lower risk of atopy in children who had measles.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Epidemiological studies suggest early childhood infections might prevent allergic sensitization, but evidence is limited.
- This study investigated the potential protective effect of measles infection against atopy development in children in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if measles infection in childhood reduces the risk of developing atopy.
- To explore the association between measles infection and allergic sensitization in a West African population.
Main Methods:
- A historical cohort study was conducted in Bandim, Guinea-Bissau.
- 262 individuals with reliable childhood measles history were analyzed from a cohort first surveyed in 1978-80 and followed up in 1994.
- Atopy was defined as a positive skin-prick test (> or = 3 mm weal) to at least one of seven allergens.
Main Results:
- 12.8% of participants who had measles were atopic, compared to 25.6% of those vaccinated without measles (adjusted odds ratio 0.36).
- Measles infection was associated with a significant reduction in atopy risk (p=0.01).
- Breastfeeding for over a year was linked to lower housedust mite sensitization; measles infection further reduced this risk (odds ratios 0.20 for both D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae).
Conclusions:
- Measles infection in childhood may play a protective role in preventing the development of atopy.
- Findings suggest a potential mechanism for measles in modulating the immune system to reduce allergic sensitization.