Increased risk of pneumococcal disease in patients with atopic conditions

The same research group has previously reported an increased risk of serious pneumococcal disease (SPD) among patients with asthma.

The study subjects were residents of Rochester, Minn, who developed SPD between 1964 and 1983 and their matched matched controls.

All individuals with atopic conditions were identified by the physician diagnoses including atopic dermatitis or eczema, allergic rhinitis, and hay fever. A total of 3941 records were reviewed and 174 SPD cases identified.

14.9% of the SPD cases and 8.3% of the controls had atopy.

Atopic conditions other than asthma were associated with an increased risk of SPD (odds ratio, 2.13).

The study authors concluded that like asthma, other atopic conditions, particularly atopic dermatitis, are associated with an increased risk of SPD. There may be a common immunogenetic mechanism underlying increased risk of SPD.

References:
Increased risk of serious pneumococcal disease in patients with atopic conditions other than asthma. Jung JA, Kita H, Yawn BP, Boyce TG, Yoo KH, McGree ME, Weaver AL, Wollan P, Jacobson RM, Juhn YJ. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Jan;125(1):217-221.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20109748?dopt=Abstract

Image source: SEM micrograph of S. pneumoniae. Wikipedia, public domain.