RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Relationships of immunoglobulins E and G sensitization to respiratory function in dairy farmers
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 886
OP 892
DO 10.1183/09031936.00.16588600
VO 16
IS 5
A1 V Westeel
A1 S Julien
A1 C De Champs
A1 JC Polio
A1 F Mauny
A1 R Gibey
A1 JJ Laplante
A1 JM Aiache
A1 A Depierre
A1 JC Dalphin
YR 2000
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/16/5/886.abstract
AB An impairment of respiratory function has been demonstrated in dairy farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of allergy to respiratory function in dairy farmers in a longitudinal study conducted in the Doubs (France). A cohort of male dairy farmers constituted in 1990 was re-evalued in 1995. Subjects completed a medical and occupational questionnaire, and a spirometry test in both 1990 and 1995, in 1995 they were also subjected to immunological tests. Relationships between immunological variables and respiratory function were studied by a multiple linear regression model adjusted for age, smoking status, respiratory symptoms, altitude and occupational exposure. Amongst the 394 subjects of the initial cohort, 330 were included in the longitudinal study and 320 had immunological tests. Log immunoglobulin (Ig) E was negatively correlated with the 1995 respiratory function parameters (p<0.05 for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/vital capacity (VC). Immunoglobulin (Ig) G response to Aspergillus fumigatus detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was negatively correlated to 1995 respiratory function parameters (VC: p<0.01; FEV1: p<0.001; FEV1/VC: p<0.01). There was a positive relationship between IgG antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus and the mean annual decline in FEV1 (p<0.01) and FEV1/VC (p<0.01). To conclude, allergy may play a role in the impairment of respiratory function in dairy farmers of the Doubs and sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus seems to constitute an independent risk factor for the development of airflow obstruction in this occupational setting.