Positive associations between infections of Toxoplasma gondii and seropositivity with Anisakis simplex in human patients suffering from chronic urticaria. Issue 6 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernández-Fígares, V.; Rodero, M.; Valls, A.; De Frutos, C.; Daschner, A.; Cuéllar, C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of helminthology. Volume 89:Issue 6(2015)
• Page Start: 707
• Page End: 713
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Helminthology -- Periodicals; 592.3
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X14000480
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-149X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Toxoplasma gondii</italic> is a food-borne and orofecal microorganism which produces chronic infection, and attempts have been made to prove its negative association with atopy in the context of the hygiene hypothesis. <italic>Anisakis simplex</italic> is a fish parasite associated with chronic urticaria (CU) in endemic regions. We analysed the relationship between both infectious agents in CU. We included 42 patients with chronic urticaria (18 patients with CU associated with <italic>A. simplex</italic> sensitization and 24 not sensitized CU patients). Patients were assessed for atopy by a skin prick test (SPT) against common aeroallergens and for respiratory symptoms. <italic>Anisakis simplex</italic> sensitization was assessed by SPT and specific IgE by CAP fluoro-enzyme immunoassay (CAP-FEIA). Anti-<italic>T. gondii</italic> IgG levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CU patients were analysed with respect to <italic>T. gondii</italic> seropositivity, <italic>A. simplex</italic> sensitization, atopy and immigrant status. The seroprevalence of <italic>T. gondii</italic> was 40.5% in CU patients and 42.1% in the control group. Immigrants were more frequently infected by <italic>T. gondii</italic> (41.2% versus 12%; <italic>P =</italic>0.036). Anti-<italic>T. gondii</italic> IgG antibodies were associated with past <italic>A. simplex</italic> parasitism (odds ratio 6.73; <italic>P =</italic>0.03) and independently with atopic sensitization (odds ratio 5.85; <italic>P =</italic>0.04). In CU patients, <italic>T. gondii</italic> has no protective effect on atopic sensitization or <italic>A. simplex</italic> sensitization.</p> </abstract>