Ascaris lumbricoides Infection Is Associated with Increased Risk of Childhood Asthma and Atopy in Rural China

• DOI: 10.1164/rccm.2107020
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T13:02:33Z
• Authors: Lyle J. Palmer; Juan C. Celedón; Scott T. Weiss; Binyan Wang; Zhian Fang; Xiping Xu
• Keywords: Atopy; Ascaris

There is growing international interest in the possible relationships between helminthic infection and allergic disease, although nature of remains uncertain controversial. The interrelationships current past with Ascaris lumbricoides asthma atopy were investigated a cross-sectional sample 2,164 children ages 8 18 years from Anqing Province, China. sampled larger family-based study genetics asthma. prevalence either history or positive stool examination for was 24.5%. Asthma defined analytic purposes using previously validated, stringent criteria including airways responsiveness to methacholine. Independently other factors assessed, A. associated increased risk (p < 0.001), an number skin tests aeroallergens dose–response slope methacholine = 0.003). association sensitization common enhanced those infected Ascaris, such independent this selected population. These data suggest complex relationship ascariasis susceptibility childhood among predisposed that may involve interaction immune response inhaled aeroallergens.