Helminth-sensitization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- Diez Morrondo, Carolina
- Sánchez-Andrade Fernández, Rita
- Arias Vázquez, Maria Sol
- Sánchez-Andrade Fernandez, Amalia
- Suárez, J. L.
- Francisco, I.
- Romasanta, A.
- Méndez, A.
- Morrondo Pelayo, María Patrocinio
- Díez Baños, Pablo
- Paz Silva, Adolfo
ISSN: 0718-8730
Year of publication: 2010
Volume: 69
Issue: 2
Pages: 163-171
Type: Article
More publications in: Revista Ibero-latinoamericana de parasitología
Abstract
A study to analyze the sensitization against helminth parasite antigens in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was carried out among adult patients attending the Rheumatology Services of a hospital in Lugo (NW) Spain. Blood samples were collected from 359 individuals randomly selected and checked for IgG against F. hepatica and A. suum by using an ELISA with their excretory/secretory products. Data were analyzed regarding the sex and living place of the patients. Overall, 34% (95% Confidence Interval 29, 39) of the cases were found positive to the RA, and significant differences according the sex were only obtained (c2 = 6.850, p = 0.009), with the highest prevalence in women (40%; 33, 47). A seroprevalence of 12% (9, 15) for fasciolosis and 50% (45, 56) for ascariosis was found. People living in the countryside recorded the highest seroprevalences. Seropositive cases to fasciolosis were only recorded among RA patients. A seropositivity of 67% (58, 75) ascariosis among the RA persons was found, by 43% (36, 49) in the healthy ones (c2 = 18.177, p = 0.001). A significant risk for developing IgG against Fasciola hepatica (prevalence ratio = 4.1) and Ascaris suum (PR = 1.9) in the RA cases was determined. The simultaneous analysis of the results showed the highest risk for helminth-sensitization among the RA patients living in rural areas. It is concluded that the habitat might influence the development of helminth-sensitization and RA