Atopic children are more susceptible to viral respiratory infection at the age of 2‐5 years old

Abstract

Background: The susceptibility of the atopic population to respiratory infections (RI) has not been fully elucidated. This susceptibility is attributed to the immune dysregulation that characterizes atopic diseases. Although, the exact mechanisms involved are not fully understood, there is evidence that shows that the maturation of innate immunity progresses differently in patients with atopy. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the susceptibility to viral RIs (VRI) based on the number and duration of them in different age groups in subjects with atopy and subjects without atopy. Methods: Seventy-eight subjects (39 healthy and 39 with atopy) were included in the study. All the subjects were evaluated by a specialist and defined as being atopic if they had a clinical history and/or symptoms compatible with any allergic diseases and relevant sensitizations. Epidemiologic data were recorded based on a standardized questionnaire, which included recording habits, conditions, and living environment as well as the history of viral infections during the last year. Results: In our population, children with atopy were found to be more susceptible to viral RIs than children without atopy (p = 0.02), whereas there was no difference in susceptibility between healthy adults and adults with atopy (18‐45 years old). More specifically, the atopic age group 2‐5 years old showed the higher susceptibility to VRIs. Conclusion: This study provided evidence that children with atopy, especially at ages 2‐5 years old, had more numerically and prolonged RIs than did the subjects without atopy. These clinical findings support the hypothesis of distracted maturation of innate immunity in subjects with atopy.