Features of mucosal immunity in children with allergic rhinitis

Currently, in unfavorable environmental conditions, violation of the nasal microbiocenosis with activation of the opportunistic flora is one of the factors worsening the course of allergic rhinitis (AR). Material and Methods. In order to evaluate the mucosal immunity in different forms of AR with domestic and epidermal sensitization, 87 children aged 3 to 18 years were examined. The main group consisted of 30 children with AR, having colonization of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity with fungi of the genus Candida. The comparison group consisted of 30 children with AR without colonization of the nasal cavity with fungal microflora. The control group included 27 children without AR. Results. It was found that children of the main group had a higher level of atopic response than in the comparison group: eosinophilia in nasal secretion, increased secretory immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels. Increased IL-10 production promotes depression of interferon-y production and increased imbalance in the cytokine profile, which contributes to a decrease in sIgA production, suppression of leukocyte migration to the nasal cavity and their functional activity. Conclusion. This is probably due to the fact that Candida fungi colonizing the mucosa and causing an invasive process, on the one hand, have a damaging effect on mucosa, enhancing the production of inflammatory mediators, and on the other hand, act as a specific trigger, thereby maintaining chronic inflammation of both allergic and infectious genesis.

allergic rhinitis, fungi, mucosal immunity