Decrease of Specific and Total IgE Levels in Allergic Patients After BCG Vaccination
Preliminary Report
Giovanni P. Cavallo, MD;
Mariateresa Elia, MD;
Daniela Giordano, MD;
Cristina Baldi, MD;
Raffaella Cammarota, MD
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002;128:1058-1060.
Background A systemic reaction to mycobacteria biases the balance of T helper cell
types 1 and 2 toward T helper cell type 1. BCG vaccination mimics some characteristics
of mycobacterial infection. Children who have undergone tuberculin conversion
after BCG vaccination seem to be more likely to lose their atopic symptoms.
Inhibition of both allergic response and airway hyperreactivity after vaccination
for mycobacteria has been observed in animal experiments.
Objective To evaluate the effects that BCG vaccination has on the serological
status of allergic people.
Participants and Methods This study included 20 volunteers with a history of allergic rhinitis
who were required to undergo BCG vaccination by Italian law. Epicutaneous
allergy testing with a panel of common seasonal and perennial inhalational
allergens and 2 blood withdrawals were performed. The serum total IgE levels
and the serum allergen-specific IgE levels of each individual were measured
just before BCG vaccination and again 4 months later. Total IgE levels were
determined using the paper radioimmunosorbent test, and allergen-specific
IgE levels were determined using the radioallergosorbent test.
Results Total IgE and allergen-specific IgE levels were significantly decreased
after BCG vaccination (P = .004 and P<.001, respectively).
Conclusion BCG, an effective stimulus for cell-mediated immunity, deserves further
study to evaluate its ability to modulate the immune response associated with
allergic rhinitis.
From the Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica, I Clinica Otorinolaringoiatrica,
University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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