Infections to allergies via antibiotics: A triangular scenario

• Main Author: Shilpa Shah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Makhdoomi Printers 2013-03-01
• Series: Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health
• Subjects: Antibiotics; Allergy; IgE
• Online Access: http://www.gjmedph.org/uploads/O8-Vo2No1.pdf
• ISSN: 2277-9604

Antibiotics could upset the body's normal balance of Th1 and Th2 immune functions. Such an imbalance could possibility result in increased occurrence of allergies. Estimation of Total serum IgE, which is a product of Th2 function, is the primary diagnostic test for Type I allergic diseases. The present study compares total serum IgE levels in ‘on antibiotic’ versus ‘not on antibiotic’ random population. 200 subjects (aged 18 – 50 years) from general population were randomly recruited for the study. Their total serum IgE levels were estimated using enzyme immuno assay technique. To blind the study the subjects’ history of ‘antibiotic consumption’ and ‘allergy symptoms and diagnosis’ was taken post estimation of total serum IgE levels. The subjects were categorized in two groups: those who had not taken any antibiotics for >1 year formed the ‘not on antibiotic’ group and rest were the ones who had taken antibiotics within one year and formed ‘on antibiotic’ group. Total serum IgE levels, allergy symptoms and diagnosis of allergic disease were compared between these two groups. The total serum IgE levels of the ‘on antibiotic’ group were significantly greater as compared to the ‘not on antibiotic’ group (p<0.001). Symptoms and diagnosis of allergic disease were also significantly higher in the ‘on antibiotic’ group as compared to the ‘not on antibiotic’ group (p<0.001). To conclude use of antibiotics might deviate the immune-system towards allergies.