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Gehring, U. ; Bischof, W.* ; Schlenvoigt, G.* ; Richter, K.* ; Fahlbusch, B.* ; Wichmann, H.-E. ; Heinrich, J.

Exposure to house dust endotoxin and allergic sensitization in adults.

Allergy 59, 946-952 (2004)
DOI
Open Access Green as soon as Postprint is submitted to ZB.
Background:  It has been suggested that exposure to elevated levels of endotoxin decreases the risk of allergic sensitization. Objective:  To examine the associations between current exposure to bacterial endotoxin in house dust and allergic sensitization in adults. Methods:  In 1995–1996, we conducted a nested case–control study following a cross-sectional study performed within the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Data of 350 adults aged 25–50 years was analysed. Allergic sensitization was assessed by measurement of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against several inhalant allergens. Living room floor dust samples were taken. The endotoxin content was quantified using a chromogenic kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate test. Results:  Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a negative association between exposure to house dust endotoxin and severe allergic sensitization. Odds ratios (95% CI) adjusted for place of residence, gender, age, and ‘caseness’ were 0.80 (0.64–1.00) for sensitization to ≥1 allergen and 0.72 (0.56, 0.92) for sensitization to ≥2 allergens using 3.5 kU/l as a cut-off value for sensitization. With regard to single allergens, the protective effect of endotoxin was strongest for pollen sensitization [aOR (95% CI) = 0.74 (0.58, 0.93)]. Conclusion:  Our results indicate that current exposure to higher levels of house dust endotoxin might be associated with a decreased odds of allergic sensitization in adults.  
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Publication type Article: Journal article
Document type Scientific Article
Corresponding Author
Keywords adults; allergic sensitization; endotoxin; house dust
ISSN (print) / ISBN 0105-4538
e-ISSN 1398-9995
Journal Allergy
Quellenangaben Volume: 59, Issue: 9, Pages: 946-952 Article Number: , Supplement: ,
Publisher Wiley
Non-patent literature Publications
Reviewing status Peer reviewed
Institute(s) Institute of Epidemiology (EPI)