Allergy and parasites: the measurement of total and specific IgE levels in urban and rural communities in Rhodesia

Abstract

Adult asthmatics living in an African city had a significantly higher serum IgE [immunoglobulin E] level (799 u/ml) than the control group (350 u[units]/ml). A high proportion (78.7%) of the asthmatics had demonstrable circulating mite-specific IgE antibodies. The rural population of a filariasis endemic region was investigated, and although no allergic subjects were identified, the group had a significantly higher IgE level (1613 u/ml) than the asthmatics, and showed a relatively high incidence of grass pollen[Meadow and Bermuda]-specific IgE antibodies (35%). The discrepancy between clinical history and laboratory results supports the mast cell saturation hypothesis, suggesting an explanation for the susceptibility to allergy of African and Asian immigrants to Great Britain, and a practical approach for preventing allergic reactions in vivo.