New Survey About the Immune System Shows We Know Less Than We Think;

Expert Cites Need to Clear Up Confusion

NEW YORK, April 8, 1998 /PRNewswire/ -- Although the majority ofadults claim to understand their body's immune system, a new survey reveals that the vast majority do not. This national survey was conducted to determine Americans' current knowledge about the body's immune system -- a network of cells and organs that work together to defend the body against viruses, bacteria, fungi

and parasites -- and attitudes towards seeking the advice of board certified immunologists. The survey was sponsored by Avraham Kadar, MD, a leading expert in immunology, asthma and allergies and Assistant Clinical Professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

The random survey of more than 1,015 men and women age 18 and older --conducted by telephone from February 27 - March 1, 1998 by Bruskin/Goldring Research, Edison, New Jersey -- found that while 73 percent of all adults believe they understand how the body's immune system works, many incorrectly identified several common immune system disorders. More than 50 percent revealed a poor understanding of the role of an immunologist in treating various conditions. Nearly half incorrectly defined immunological diseases as being contagious, i.e., transmitted from person to person.

Immunological disorders fall into three categories: primary immune deficiencies, most of which are genetically predetermined; autoimmune diseases, which are the result of a misdirected immune system that literally attacks itself; and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is contagious and can be transmitted by blood to blood contact, sexual contact and perinatal (HIV-infected mother to child) contact.

"This survey shows that adults are aware of the important role the immune system plays in their health and well-being," said Dr. Kadar. "However, it also underscores a basic lack of knowledge about one of the most important andcomplex of all bodily systems. Increasing the public's understanding and awareness of the immune system and the role of a board certified immunologist can help ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatment."

Immunology has emerged as one of the most pivotal medical specialties of the late 20th century. The explosion of research during the past 25 years has heightened understanding of the mechanisms underlying the body's immune response that ultimately produce a range of acute and chronic conditions. As a result, the immunologist treats a variety of disorders, including allergies and asthma, immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmunity is the underlying cause of over 80 diseases. Autoimmune diseases are significantly understudied in terms of prevalence and incidence. Leading experts indicate that autoimmune disease should be ranked with cancer and heart disease as a major health problem in the U.S. Furthermore, autoimmunity is a significant women's health issue. Seventy-five percent of those afflicted with an autoimmune disease are women, according to findings presented at a recent national conference by Susan Wood, PhD, Acting Deputy Assistant U.S. Secretary for Women's Health, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health.

The results of the survey paint a picture of factual inconsistencies and misperceptions regarding immunology and the immunologist. For example, while about half of all respondents correctly identified systemic lupus erythematosus as an immune system disorder, only 38 percent knew the same was true for asthma. Interestingly, older Americans -- those age 50-64 – appear to be somewhat more knowledgeable, with 62.8 percent claiming to understand that lupus is a disorder of the immune system. Lupus -- more common in

Women than men affecting between 1,400,000 and 2,000,000 people -- is a chronic autoimmune disease which causes inflammation of various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, and the central nervous system. While serious, it is considerably less common than asthma, a chronic respiratory disorder of children and adults. Asthma affects nearly 15 million people. During an asthma attack, individuals may experience shortness of breath, cough, mucus production, chest tightness/discomfort and wheezing.

In addition, only one-quarter of all respondents knew that rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disorder, and only one-third would seek the advice of an immunologist for the care of children's recurrent ear infections, which are often caused by allergies or a breakdown of the immune system. However, 52.4 percent of respondents said they would seek treatment from an immunologist if they had recurrent pneumonias, perhaps because this sounds more serious.

Confusion about the role of the immunologist may result, in part, from misperceptions with respect to the immunologist's role. The vast majority of respondents, 82 percent, identified the immunologist as a specialist who studies the way the body defends itself from diseases. Yet, the survey also reveals that 61 percent of adults characterized an immunologist as a researcher and consultant, rather than as a practicing clinician. Only seven percent of the respondents reported that they have been to an immunologist, and a similarly small number had ever received treatment from one.

"Immunologists must work together to help educate individuals on how this specialty can help them with some of the most common -- and potentially serious -- disorders of the immune system," added Dr. Kadar. "Adults andchildren should benefit from our growing knowledge of the immune system, and our expansive array of safe and effective treatments. Ultimately, patients need to work with their primary care physicians to determine when they should refer to an immunologist in the care and treatment of immune disorders."

Avraham Kadar, MD, DLI, is one of only two immunologists based in New York City who are certified in diagnostic laboratory immunology. He was trained at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he served as a Medical Staff Fellow in the Mucosal Immunity Section of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). He currently maintains his private practice in New York City and Mt. Kisco, New York.

SOURCE Avraham Kadar, M.D.