Abstract
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.
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 946-952 |
| Journal | Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |