Die invloed van die allergiese reaksie op die respiratoriese sisteem, met spesifieke verwysing na die rol van die rondewurm, Ascaris lumbricoides

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the allergic reaction on therespiratory system. The influence of parasite infestation (with specific reference tothe roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides) on the normal functioning of the respiratorysystem was also investigated.Firstly a pilot study was done to determine the normal immunoglobulin E (IgE)levels of coloured newborns in the Western Cape. The cord blood IgE values of agroup of coloured newborns were determined by using the RIA technique. Althougha mean value was reached, it is important for more controlled studies, that wouldtake into account a variety of factors, to be done before determining separatereference values for this population.The levels of one of the most important effector cells in the allergic reaction,namely eosinphils, were determined in a group of asthma patients by using thecounting chamber method. In all the cases the eosinophil levels were elevatedThe influence of Ascaris lumbricoides on the respiratory system was investigatedfrom two different points of view, namely the possible allergic reactions it couldinduce in the host and secondly by determing the influence of this parasite on one ofthe parametres of the respiratory system, namely the peak expiratory flow (PEF) values. In the first case the presence of specific Ascaris allergens in a group ofasthma patients was determined by using the RAST technique. The incidence ofthese specific allergens was however not high. Secondly the PEF values of twogroups (the one group was infested with the roundworm and the other not) werecompared. Wet stool mounts were investigated under a light microscope to identyparasite ova. There was however no significant difference in PEF values betweenthese two groups.This study underlines the complex interaction between parasites and the respiratorysystem. Further studies in this regard are needed in order to fully understand thenature of this interaction.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University