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Atopic disorders and parasitic infections
1Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, USA.
Advances in Parasitology
|May 20, 2008
Summary
Parasitic infections, particularly chronic helminth infections, may decrease atopic predisposition by inducing Th1 immunity. However, a direct causal link between geohelminth infection and atopic disorders remains unproven.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Allergology
Background:
- Atopy involves an exaggerated Type-1 immune response (IgE-mediated).
- The relationship between parasitic infections and allergic diseases like atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma is complex and debated.
- Existing literature presents conflicting findings from human and animal studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the intricate relationship between atopic disorders and parasitic infections.
- To explore discrepancies in the literature regarding helminthic infections and atopy.
- To investigate the potential of helminthic substances as therapeutic agents for allergic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing human and animal studies on atopy and parasitic infections.
- Emphasis on helminthic infections and their impact on immune responses.
- Exploration of factors influencing the development of clinical atopic disease.
Main Results:
- Early childhood infections can promote Th1-biased immunity, potentially preventing atopy.
- Acute parasitic infections might exacerbate allergy symptoms.
- Chronic helminth infections appear to reduce atopic predisposition in many studies.
- A definitive causal association between geohelminth infection and atopic disorders is not established.
Conclusions:
- Helminthic infections present a complex immunomodulatory effect on atopy.
- Chronic infections may offer protective benefits against atopic disorders.
- Helminth-derived substances, such as cytokines, show potential as anti-allergic and respiratory therapeutics.
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