Parasite infection and Japanese cedar pollinosis in monkeys

To evaluate the relationship between helminthic parasite infection and sensitization to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; CJ) pollen allergens in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), we examined the parasite infection, presence of anti-pollen allergen IgE and development of pollinosis. Serum samples and fecal specimens were taken from 169 monkeys in five troops, and the presence of IgE antibody for CJ pollen allergen and of helminthic parasite eggs in their feces was examined. Of the 169 monkeys, helminthic parasite eggs from 138 monkeys were detected. The frequency of anti-CJ IgE (19%) and the level of total IgE did not differ significantly between the monkeys with and without parasite eggs. We examined the presence of anti-CJ IgE and pollinosis symptoms in 31 monkeys of a troop; six of the monkeys demonstrated anti-CJ IgE and pollinosis symptoms. Five of these six monkeys had parasite eggs. We found that the monkeys that demonstrated anti-CJ IgE and pollinosis symptoms had helminthic parasite infections. These data suggest that helminthic parasite infection does not reduce the development of clinical signs of CJ pollinosis in Japanese monkeys.