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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Hygiene hypothesis: innate immunity, malaria and multiple sclerosis.

Stefano Sotgiu¹, Andrea Angius, Ashton Embry

¹Institute of Clinical Neurology, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 10, 07100 Sassari, Italy. stesot@hotmail.com

Medical Hypotheses

|September 25, 2007

Summary

Malaria eradication in Sardinia correlates with increased multiple sclerosis (MS) rates. Genetic factors related to past malaria immunity may cause innate immune over-response to new triggers, contributing to MS.

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Published on: May 18, 2016

Area of Science:

Immunology
Epidemiology
Genetics

Background:

The hygiene hypothesis suggests reduced microbial exposure increases autoimmunity.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence has risen in Sardinia, coinciding with malaria eradication.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the link between malaria disappearance and the rise of MS in Sardinia.
To explore the role of innate immunity and genetic factors in this association.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of MS prevalence, malaria history, and CHIT1 gene polymorphism.
Assessment of Chitotriosidase (Chit) activity in plasma.
Review of epidemiological and experimental data.

Main Results:

Sardinia shows a correlation between CHIT1 mutation, plasma Chit activity, and MS prevalence.
CHIT1 mutations and MS incidence are lower in malaria-endemic Africa compared to Sardinia.
Sardinians exhibit altered macrophage reactivity due to historical Plasmodium falciparum exposure.

Conclusions:

Malaria eradication in Sardinia likely contributed to the increase in MS by altering innate immune responses.
Genetically selected immune responses to malaria may lead to over-activation by new environmental factors.
This suggests a potential for innate immunity-based therapies for MS.