Study of immunological and physicochemical characteristics of Ascaris lumbricoides allergens

Abstract

Allergic diseases are multifactorial and genetically complex entities. There is a growing interest in their diagnosis and treatment, since in recent years their prevalence has increased. Manifestation of symptoms in allergic diseases occur after allergen exposure. In our region, allergic individuals are sensitized mainly to mite allergens, but there is also exposure to helminths such as Ascaris lumbricoides. It has been suggested that infection with certain species of helminths protects from allergic diseases since epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that during chronic infection the symptoms decrease. However, other studies indicate a positive association between infection with Ascaris and the frequency and severity of allergic diseases such as asthma. Up to now, there have been described three allergens in Ascaris. However, since Ascaris induces strong IgE antibody responses in infected individuals (1-3), other antigens could be potential allergens. Since the study of the complete allergenic composition of Ascaris remains open, it is necessary to characterize its antigens from a broad perspective, which includes the evaluation of their physicochemical attributes and allergenic characteristics. Allergen characterization may help for a more precise diagnosis of IgE sensitization. The study of individual components would be useful to understand the possible influence of ascariasis on the onset, pathogenesis and increasing incidence of allergic diseases