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Are infections protecting from atopy?

P M Matricardi1, R Ronchetti

  • 1Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, National Research Council Rome, Italy. matricardi.pm@mclink.it

Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|April 20, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Early life exposure to microbes, like in day care or on farms, may protect against atopic diseases and wheezing. Declining microbial exposures might contribute to rising allergy and asthma rates.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The 'Hygiene Hypothesis' suggests early microbial exposure protects against atopic diseases.
  • Western lifestyles may be linked to increased allergy and asthma rates due to reduced microbial contact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting the Hygiene Hypothesis and identify factors contributing to the rise in allergies and asthma.
  • To explore the role of microbial flora, infections, and environmental exposures in immune system development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of longitudinal studies on early-life exposures (day care, farm environments).
  • Analysis of evidence on respiratory infections, BCG immunization, and atopic sensitization.
  • Investigation into the impact of changing human microbial flora and reduced exposure to microbes.

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Main Results:

  • Longitudinal studies show reduced wheezing risk in children with early exposure to other children.
  • Farm-raised children consistently show lower atopic sensitization.
  • Evidence for respiratory infections or BCG immunization is insufficient.

Conclusions:

  • Early-life microbial exposure appears protective against atopic diseases.
  • Changes in microbial flora and reduced exposure to infections/endotoxins are implicated in the rise of allergies and asthma.