Correlation between asthma and Toxocara canis infection.

Abstract

UNLABELLED: The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between asthma and toxocariasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have studied 76 patients with asthma and 88 controls (without asthma) aged 5-16 years. An ELISA test based on the detection of anti-Toxocara canis (E/S antigen) serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and E (IgE) was done in both groups. Ordinary allergens and E/S antigen of T. canis infections were used to evaluate cutaneous reactivity. RESULTS: Seroprevalence in asthma patients was 68.42% and in the controls 13.63%. This difference was significant. The percentage of asthmatic patients with two anti-Toxocara antibodies was 26.31%, and of 4.54% in controls. All asthma patients with anti-Toxocara IgE had cutaneous reactivity to Ag E/S. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma patients with anti-Toxocara IgE and IgG may have toxocariasis.