Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
09:56
Intra-tracheal Administration of Haemophilus influenzae in Mouse Models to Study Airway Inflammation
Published on: March 2, 2016
Acute infections, infection pressure, and atopy
M Paunio1, H Peltola, M Virtanen
1Department of Health, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Helsinki, Finland. mpaunio@worldbank.org
Summary
Children with frequent infections, including mumps, rubella, and upper respiratory infections (URIs), showed higher rates of atopy. This suggests atopic individuals may be more susceptible to infections, not that infections prevent allergies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The hygiene hypothesis suggests reduced early childhood infections increase allergy prevalence.
- Concerns exist that vaccinations might indirectly raise atopy rates.
- This study examines infection history, infection pressure, and atopy in a large population-based survey.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between acute infections, infection pressure, and atopy.
- To evaluate the hygiene hypothesis in relation to vaccination and allergy development.
- To determine if reduced infections influence allergy prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 547,190 Finns (born 1976-1984 and older teens) regarding mumps, rubella, and atopy (eczema, asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis).
- A subsample (37,733) provided data on upper respiratory infections (URIs) and infection pressure (daily child contacts).
- Calculated prevalence ratios of atopy based on infectious disease history and infection exposure.
Main Results:
- Increased daily contacts correlated with higher URI risk and mumps/rubella history, particularly in younger children.
- Atopy was not linked to daily contacts in preschoolers.
- Children with histories of repeated URIs and MMR diseases exhibited significantly more atopy.
Conclusions:
- Atopic individuals appear more susceptible to acute respiratory infections, highlighting the need for immunizations.
- The study does not support the hygiene hypothesis that declining respiratory infections increase atopy prevalence in developed nations.
More Related Videos
10:39Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy
Published on: April 16, 2019
10:26P. aeruginosa Infected 3D Co-Culture of Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Macrophages at Air-Liquid Interface for Preclinical Evaluation of Anti-Infectives
Published on: June 15, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:20Infection
When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...