Correlation of serum total immunoglobulin E levels, eosinophilia and sensitization to common aero- allergens among asthmatics in Sudan.

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of pulmonary airways in which many cells and cellular elements play a role. Chronic inflammation is responsible for increased serum total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, specific IgE, and blood eosinophils (B-Eos) count. We aimed in the present study to determine quantitative physiological traits: serum total IgE, and B-Eos count and assess their correlation with skin prick test (SPT) among Sudanese asthmatics, and evaluate these findings with the persistence of developing asthma. 281 subjects; 146 asthmatics and 135 controls were recruited. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and SPT for commonly encountered allergens were performed using the standard methods. Serum total IgE was measured using the ELISA technique, and blood smears for B-Eos count were measured using a colter counter. An interview questionnaire was filled out for each individual to determine the duration of the disease, allergic status, and environmental factors. In the majority of asthmatics; Positive SPT response to seven allergens (P < 0.01), the highest exposure allergen was found to be mixed molds (85.3%), and the strongest sensitized allergen was house dust mite (HDM) (P <0.001). Serum total IgE and B-Eos count were highest (P<0.001) having a significant positive SPT response (P<0.001). Conclusion: There is a strong association between sensitization to some allergens and asthma. High serum total IgE levels, and high eosinophil count has been found to be correlated with asthma