BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that exposure to elevated levels of endotoxin decreases the risk of allergic sensitization. OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between current exposure to bacterial endotoxin in house dust and allergic sensitization in adults. METHODS: In 1995-1996, we conducted a nested case-control study following a cross-sectional study performed within the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Data of 350 adults aged 25-50 years was analysed. Allergic sensitization was assessed by measurement of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against several inhalant allergens. Living room floor dust samples were taken. The endotoxin content was quantified using a chromogenic kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate test. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a negative association between exposure to house dust endotoxin and severe allergic sensitization. Odds ratios (95% CI) adjusted for place of residence, gender, age, and 'caseness' were 0.80 (0.64-1.00) for sensitization to >/=1 allergen and 0.72 (0.56, 0.92) for sensitization to >/=2 allergens using 3.5 kU/l as a cut-off value for sensitization. With regard to single allergens, the protective effect of endotoxin was strongest for pollen sensitization [aOR (95% CI) = 0.74 (0.58, 0.93)]. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that current exposure to higher levels of house dust endotoxin might be associated with a decreased odds of allergic sensitization in adults.
BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that exposure to elevated levels of endotoxin decreases the risk of allergic sensitization. OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between current exposure to bacterial endotoxin in house dust and allergic sensitization in adults. METHODS: In 1995-1996, we conducted a nested case-control study following a cross-sectional study performed within the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Data of 350 adults aged 25-50 years was analysed. Allergic sensitization was assessed by measurement of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against several inhalant allergens. Living room floor dust samples were taken. The endotoxin content was quantified using a chromogenic kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate test. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a negative association between exposure to house dust endotoxin and severe allergic sensitization. Odds ratios (95% CI) adjusted for place of residence, gender, age, and 'caseness' were 0.80 (0.64-1.00) for sensitization to >/=1 allergen and 0.72 (0.56, 0.92) for sensitization to >/=2 allergens using 3.5 kU/l as a cut-off value for sensitization. With regard to single allergens, the protective effect of endotoxin was strongest for pollen sensitization [aOR (95% CI) = 0.74 (0.58, 0.93)]. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that current exposure to higher levels of house dust endotoxin might be associated with a decreased odds of allergic sensitization in adults.
Authors: Tara G Ooms; James E Artwohl; Lorraine M Conroy; Todd M Schoonover; Jeffrey D Fortman Journal: J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci Date: 2008-03 Impact factor: 1.232
Authors: Rhonda H Wilson; Shuichiro Maruoka; Gregory S Whitehead; Julie F Foley; Gordon P Flake; Michelle L Sever; Darryl C Zeldin; Monica Kraft; Stavros Garantziotis; Hideki Nakano; Donald N Cook Journal: Nat Med Date: 2012-10-14 Impact factor: 53.440
Authors: Elisabeth A J Spierenburg; Lidwien A M Smit; Esmeralda J M Krop; Dick Heederik; Machteld N Hylkema; Inge M Wouters Journal: PLoS One Date: 2017-12-06 Impact factor: 3.240