Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus infection as a risk factor for allergy in children with high frequency of respiratory diseases

Vorontsova I.M.

Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Yaroslavl State Medical University" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Yaroslavl, Russia

The aim of the study was to determine allergic and herpesvirus-infected patients among children with a high frequency of respiratory infections – “frequently ill children”.
Materials and methods. To 48 children aged 1,5-11 a routinary medical examination, laboratory study and allergic tests were done. Laboratory studied a complete blood count, level of IgE, antibodies to Epstein-Barr (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and helminths. Prick-tests were done using panel of house dust mite, pollen (trees, grass and weeds) cat epithelium and dog fur allergens.
Results. Respiratory infections occurred 5-12 times per year (7,82±2,32). Half of the children had adenoiditis. Laboratory study showed herpesvirus infection in 54,17% of children. IgG to nuclear or viral-capsid EBV antigen were detected in 20,83%, CMV IgM and IgG - in 14,58%, mixed EBV and CMV infection – in 14,58% of cases. IgE level was 3 times elevated. Allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma were diagnosed to 25% of patients, sensitized to tree pollen in 66,67%, grass pollen in 41,67% and house dust mite in 58,33% of cases. More than a half of patients were polysensitized. All patients with allergy had one or more herpesvirus infection. Conclusions. Herpes-virus infections in frequently ill children with allergy may facilitate the sensitization spectrum widening, progression and worsening of allergic diseases.