Association of Intestinal Helminth Infection with Atopy and Allergic Symptoms in Young Children in Batu, Ethiopia

Workneh, Sosina Walelign (2017) Association of Intestinal Helminth Infection with Atopy and Allergic Symptoms in Young Children in Batu, Ethiopia. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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Abstract

Background: Helminths are potent immunomodulators and chronic infections may protect against allergy-related disease and atopy. They are also known for inducing allergic conditions. This study was aimed to assess the association between helminths and atopy and allergic conditions. Objective: To assess the association between intestinal helminth infection and atopy/allergic outcomes in young children in Batu, Ethiopia. Methods: Questionnaire data on allergic symptoms and a range of confounding variables was gathered in a cross-sectional study of 461 children aged from 2 to 14 years from Batu. Allergic skin sensitization to house dust mite and cockroach was measured, and a stool sample collected for qualitative and quantitative geohelminth analysis. Serum IgE using ELISA and Manual eosinophil count were measured. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Overall sensitivity to both allergens was 2.6 %. Self - reported allergic outcomes in the last 12 months for the 461 participants had been; wheeze (3.7%), asthma (2.2%), eczema (13.2%), and hay fever (6.9%). A burden of 8.1% (36/444) was recorded for helminths. A borderline significant association was found between atopy and any allergy symptoms [OR 3.32 (95% CI: 0.99, 11.1), P = 0.052]. There was no significant association between helminths and atopy [OR 0.64 (95% CI: 0.29, 1.41) p = 0.268] and also between helminths and allergic symptoms [OR 0.64 (95% CI: 0.29, 1.41) p = 0.268]. Bivariate analysis showed keeping animas in the house associated with atopy while maternal and paternal history of allergy associated with allergic symptoms in the children. Conclusion: Contrary to the majority of related studies that reported a positive or negative association between helminths and allergy-related outcomes, we found no relation between the two. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to further elucidate the controversy.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Atopy, helminths, Allergy, IgE
Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Divisions: Africana
Depositing User: Emmanuel Ndorimana
Date Deposited: 25 Jul 2018 09:53
Last Modified: 25 Jul 2018 09:53
URI: http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/8074

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