Comparison of serum specific IgE antibodies to staphylococcal enterotoxins between atopic children with and without atopic dermatitis
Journal
Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Journal Volume
55
Journal Issue
7
Pages
641-646
Date Issued
2000
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) exhibits a striking susceptibility to colonization and infection by Staphylococcus aureus. The exotoxins secreted by S. aureus can act as superantigens and classic allergens, inducing the production of functionally relevant specific IgE antibodies. The aim of this study was to compare the levels and positive rates of serum staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA)- and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-specific IgE between atopic children with and without AD. Methods: Sixty children with AD, 55 children with respiratory allergy without AD, and 24 nonatopic healthy children were studied. The levels and positive rates of serum SEA- and SEB-specific IgE were compared among three groups. The correlation between the levels or positive rates of Serum SEA/SEB- specific IgE and the severity of AD or the presence of previous skin infections was studied. Results: The children with AD had significantly higher levels and positive rates of serum SEA- and SEB-specific IgE than the atopic children without AD (P < 0.001) and the nonatopic children (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the levels and positive rates of serum SEA- and SEB-specific IgE between the atopic children without AD and the nonatopic children. With or without adjustment for the potential confounding effect of total serum IgE levels, the levels and positive rates of serum SEA- and SEB-specific IgE were significantly correlated with severity of AD (P < 0.005), but they were not significantly different between AD children with and without previous skin infections. Conclusions: SEA and SEB may contribute to chronic inflammation and exacerbation of AD through the IgE-mediated immune response.
Other Subjects
immunoglobulin E; immunoglobulin E antibody; Staphylococcus enterotoxin A; Staphylococcus enterotoxin B; article; atopic dermatitis; bacterial colonization; child; chronic inflammation; controlled study; disease exacerbation; female; human; immune response; immunoglobulin blood level; major clinical study; male; priority journal; respiratory tract allergy; skin infection; Staphylococcus aureus; Adolescent; Antibodies, Bacterial; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermatitis, Atopic; Enterotoxins; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Infant; Male; Severity of Illness Index; Staphylococcal Skin Infections; Staphylococcus aureus
Type
journal article