Late onset of IgE sensitization to microbial allergens in young children with atopic dermatitis

Br J Dermatol. 2009 Sep 8. [Epub ahead of print]

Late-onset of IgE sensitization to microbial allergens in young children with atopic dermatitis.

Ong PY, Ferdman RM, Church JA. Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd, MS# 75, Los Angeles, CA 90027, U.S.A. Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.

Background: A significant proportion of young children with atopic dermatitis (AD) is sensitized to microbial allergens, which play a potential role in the pathogenesis of AD inflammation.

Objective: To study the timing of IgE sensitization to microbial allergens including staphylococcal superantigens, Malassezia species and Candida albicans in young children with AD.

Method: Specific IgE antibodies to staphylococcal superantigens, Malassezia species, C. albicans and control inhalant/food allergens were measured in 53 young children with mild to moderate AD. The presence of IgE sensitization relative to age (>/= 3 years vs. < 3 years) was analysed by logistic regressions. Results IgE sensitization to the staphylococcal superantigen group, Malassezia species and C. albicans was significantly associated with older age in children with AD [P = 0.02, odds ratio (OR) 4.9; P = 0.02, OR 4.7; and P = 0.05, OR 4.0, respectively].

Conclusion: IgE sensitization to microbial allergens is associated with an older age group in young children with mild to moderate AD.

PMID: 19849698 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]