Chlamydia pneumoniae immunoglobulin E antibody levels in patients with asthma compared with non-asthma

Abstract

is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes respiratory infection in adults and children. There is evidence for an association between atypical bacterial pathogens and asthma pathogenesis. We sought to determine whether past infection triggers - IgE antibodies (Abs) in asthmatics and non-asthmatics, who had detectable IgG titers. IgE Abs were quantified using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). IgE Ab levels were higher in asthmatics compared with non-asthmatics. There was no correlation found between total serum IgE levels and specific IgE Ab levels. infection may trigger IgE-specific responses in asthmatics.