IgE Antibodies to Bacteria in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

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Abstract
Bacterial respiratory infections, especially with Haemophilus influenzae (HI) and Streptococcus pneumoniae, (SPn) are frequently associated with an increase of airway obstruction in patients with bronchial asthma. The possible involvement of immediate hypersensitivity in this phenomenon was studied. IgE antibodies to HI and SPn were investigated in the serum of 190 adult patients with bronchial asthma. The IgE antibodies were measured using a solid phase radioimmunoassay method. Living bacteria were used as solid phase. A correction of the nonspecific binding of IgE was necessary. IgE antibodies to 1 or both bacteria were present in 55 of the 190 patients (29%). Eighteen patients were sensitive to HI, 33 to SPn and 4 to both bacteria. Significantly more IgE antibodies to bacteria were found in patients with demonstrable IgE antibodies to various inhalant allergens. The IgE antibodies to 1 or both bacteria were also present in 22% of patients with no other demonstrable IgE mediated hypersensitivity. The total serum IgE level in patients with IgE antibodies to bacteria was not significantly higher than in patients without hypersensitivity to these bacteria. Evidently immediate hypersensitivity to bacteria may play a role in the infectious bronchial asthma exacerbations.