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Chickenpox in childhood is associated with decreased atopic disorders, IgE, allergic sensitization, and leukocyte subsets
Author(s) -
Silverberg Jonathan I.,
Kleiman Edward,
Silverberg Nanette B.,
Durkin Helen G.,
Joks Rauno,
SmithNorowitz Tamar A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2011.01224.x
Subject(s) - medicine , immunoglobulin e , sensitization , asthma , allergy , immunology , atopic dermatitis , odds ratio , atopy , chickenpox , antibody , virus
To cite this article: Silverberg JI, Kleiman E, Silverberg NB, Durkin HG, Joks R, Smith‐Norowitz TA. Chickenpox in childhood is associated with decreased atopic disorders, IgE, allergic sensitization, and leukocyte subsets. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23 : 50–58. Abstract Background: Wild‐type varicella zoster infection (WTVZV) up to 8 yr of age has been shown to protect against atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. We sought to determine whether WTVZV in childhood protects against atopic disorders, allergic sensitization or decreases serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, practice‐based study of outpatient pediatric practices in NY. One hundred children with WTVZV up to 8 yr of age and 323 children who received varicella vaccine (VV) were randomly selected. Results: WTVZV up to 8 yr of age is associated with decreased odds of subsequent asthma (exact logistic regression; OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03–0.57, p = 0.003), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05–0.49, p = 0.0003), and AD (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33–0.96, p = 0.02), but not food allergies (p = 0.78); decreased total serum IgE levels [mixed linear model, LSM (95% CI): 129.09 (33.22–501.63) vs. 334.21 (102.38–1091.04) IU/ml; p = 0.02] remained significant at all time intervals after WTVZV (<5, 5–10, and >10) compared with VV (p = 0.003–0.03). WTVZV was associated with decreased allergic sensitization (logistic regression, OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.03–0.38, p = 0.0004). WTVZV is also associated with persistently decreased numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes (p < 0.0001) for up to 12 yr (p = 0.0003–0.047), monocytes (p = 0.002) for up to 16 yr (p < 0.001) and basophils at ages 4–6, 10–12, and 14–16 (p < 0.03). Conclusion: WTVZV up to 8 yr of age protects against atopic disorders, which is likely mediated by suppression of IgE production and allergic sensitization, as well as altered leukocyte distributions.