Potential role of S. aureus superantigens in allergic respiratory diseases

An association between bacterial products and allergic airway diseases has been suggested, especially between Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins and atopic diseases. S. aureus (enterotoxins), M sympodialis, and allergens are trigger factors of atopic dermatitis - they stimulate dendritic cells (JACI, 2012).

This systematic review included 10 of studies in adults and/or children affected by asthma/early wheeze and/or allergic rhinitis.

Patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis showed an increased prevalence of S. aureus.

Patients with asthma were more likely than controls to have serum-specific IgE to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (OR = 3.3).

Similarly, patients with allergic rhinitis were more likely than controls to test positive for local or systemic exposure to Staphylococcus aureus and/or or its enterotoxins (OR = 2.4).

A potential role of S. aureus superantigens in allergic respiratory diseases is supported by results of this meta-analysis of clinical studies.

References:

Pastacaldi C, Lewis P, Howarth P. Staphylococci and staphylococcal superantigens in asthma and rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Allergy 2010; DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2010.02502.x.

Loss-of-function mutations in filaggrin gene are associated with atopic dermatitis, and now with peanut allergy too. JACI, 2011.

Colonization of S. aureus in early childhood eczema (72.7%) originates from childrens' own noses, not from mothers http://goo.gl/0fptY