<i>Giardia lamblia</i> and respiratory allergies: a study of children from an urban area with a high incidence of protozoan infections

Abstract

Objectives: There is a high incidence of intestinal parasite infection in urban areas in the Northeast of Brazil. Giardia lamblia infections have been associated with increased prevalence of cutaneous allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. However, little is known about the relationship between giardiasis and allergic diseases of the airways. The present study aimed to investigate the possible association between respiratory allergic diseases and infections by G. lamblia in children from urban areas. Methods:This study recruited 110 patients of both sexes aged 5-15 years. Patients were administered a questionnaire evaluating clinical symptoms and were given skin tests, parasite tests and serum tests. Results:A high incidence of G. lamblia was observed (45%, 50/110). Infections by this protozoan were not associated with increased risk of respiratory allergy (p = 0.075), high total IgE levels (p = 0.701), positive specific IgE tests (p = 0.250), or positive skin tests for a range of environmental allergens (p = 0.239). Conclusion:This study demonstrated that symptoms of asthma, skin allergy and serum markers were not associated with G. lamblia infections in this sample of children from urban areas.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2012;88(3):233-8: Giardia lamblia, rhinitis, asthma, skin prick test. ResumoObjetivo: Uma elevada incidência de enteroparasitoses é encontrada em regiões urbanas do nordeste brasileiro. As infecções por Giardia lamblia têm sido relacionadas com aumento da prevalência de alergias cutâneas e gastrointestinais. Contudo, ainda existe pouca informação sobre a associação entre a giardíase e doenças alérgicas das vias aéreas. Diante disso, o presente estudo se propôs a verificar a relação entre a infecção por G.lamblia em crianças de área urbana e reatividade alérgica respiratória.Métodos: O estudo incluiu 110 pacientes, de ambos os sexos e idades, entre 5 e 15 anos. Os pacientes foram submetidos a questionários de avaliação dos sintomas clínicos, testes cutâneos de leitura imediata e exames coproparasitológicos e sorológicos.Resultados: Foi verificada uma frequência elevada de crianças infectadas por G. lamblia (45%, 50/110). A infecção pelo protozoário não foi associada com maior risco de alergias respiratórias (p = 0,075), elevação de IgE total (p = 0,701), IgE específica (p = 0,250) ou teste cutâneo positivo para diferentes alérgenos ambientais (p = 0,239). Conclusão:O estudo demonstrou que a presença dos sintomas de asma, atopia cutânea e marcadores sorológicos não foram associados com a presença de infecção pela G. lamblia nessa amostra de crianças.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2012;88(3):233-8: Giardia lamblia, rinite, asma, teste cutâneo.

Parasites and allergy: Observations from Brazil

“…107,[115][116][117] Studies in Brazil have addressed associations between giardiasis, total IgE and respiratory allergic symptoms. 118,119 A cross-sectional study of children in Recife in northern Brazil showed no association between G. lamblia and respiratory allergies. 118 Another protozoan parasite, T. gondii, has been extensively studied with respect to allergic sensitization in both murine models and humans.…”

“…118,119 A cross-sectional study of children in Recife in northern Brazil showed no association between G. lamblia and respiratory allergies. 118 Another protozoan parasite, T. gondii, has been extensively studied with respect to allergic sensitization in both murine models and humans. 42,103,[120][121][122][123][124] Inverse associations have been observed in Brazilian populations between seropositivity for T. gondii and atopy (measured as both SPT and serum IgE to aeroallergens).…”

“…The relationship between giardiasis and allergy has been considered in the context of food allergy and allergic skin diseases . Studies in Brazil have addressed associations between giardiasis, total IgE and respiratory allergic symptoms . A cross‐sectional study of children in Recife in northern Brazil showed no association between G. lamblia and respiratory allergies …”

“…Studies in Brazil have addressed associations between giardiasis, total IgE and respiratory allergic symptoms . A cross‐sectional study of children in Recife in northern Brazil showed no association between G. lamblia and respiratory allergies …”

Desnutrição associada à giardíase em escolares: Análise de parâmetros antropométricos e socioeconômicos / Malnutrition associated with giardiasis in school children: Analysis of anthropometric and socioeconomic parameters

“…Mesmo após quase cem anos e com o processo de urbanização, o índice de parasitismo ainda permanece elevado. Em 2012, Souza et al encontraram prevalência de 45,0%sugerindo que a região ainda continua endêmica19 . O Brasil é um país com alto índice de parasitoses20 .…”