The Composition of the Intestinal Microbiota in Young Children with IgE-mediated and Non-IgE-mediated Food Allergies: Cross Sectional Study

Background. Changes in microbiocenosis during critical periods of ontogenesis are of particular importance, as they create prerequisites for the formation of delayed pathology. However, in infants with allergies, the association of changes in the intestinal microbiota with certain allergens has not been sufficiently studied.

The aim of the study is the determination the composition features of the intestinal microbiota in young children with IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated food allergies.

Methods. In infants 6–12 months old with food allergy symptoms, the composition of the intestinal microbiota was studied (culture method), the presence of IgE was determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and the levels of sensitization were studied by the ImmunoCAP ISAC method. The data obtained has been subjected to correlation analysis.

Results. There were 56 full-term infants with allergy symptoms, of whom 15 (27%) were born by caesarean section, 12 (21%) received antibiotics in the perinatal period, and 30 (54%) stopped exclusive breastfeeding early. When assessing the intestinal microbiota, a decrease in symbiont levels was noted in 32 (57%) patients. An increased content of Klebsiella spp. was revealed — in 21 (38%), Clostridium spp. — 5 (9%) have Enterobacter spp. — in 5 (9%), Escherichia coli lactose-negative — in 11 (20%), Citrobacter spp. — in 4 (7%), Escherichia coli hemolytic — in 7 (13%). According to the results of immunological studies, patients were divided into 2 subgroups: with IgE-mediated (n = 10) and non-IgE-mediated food allergies (n = 46). In patients with IgE-mediated allergy, significant positive associations were found: SiGe to alpha-lactalbumin and casein (Bos d4, Bos d8), lysozyme (Gal d4) with hemolytic Escherichia coli content (R = 0.31; 0.35; 0.37); SiGe to casein (Bos d8), lysozyme (Gal d4) containing Clostridium spp. (R = 0.30; 0.32).

Conclusion. The interrelationships of IgE-mediated sensitization to food allergens and the composition of the intestinal microbiota are the basis for the development of methods for individualized correction of the allergic phenotype.

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