Does the hygiene hypothesis apply to COVID-19 susceptibility?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The hygiene hypothesis suggests reduced exposure to microbes increases susceptibility to allergies and autoimmune diseases.
• This commentary explores its potential relevance to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) susceptibility and severity.
• Low hygienic conditions may prime innate immune defenses.

Discussion:

• Residence in environments with lower hygiene standards could potentially train the innate immune system.
• This training may lead to a more robust response, minimizing severe outcomes from infections like COVID-19.
• The commentary posits that innate immunity modulation could be a viable strategy.

Key Insights:

• The hygiene hypothesis might influence COVID-19 susceptibility and disease progression.
• Innate immune system training via environmental factors could mitigate infection severity.
• Proactive enhancement of innate immunity is proposed as a supportive measure.

Outlook:

• Further research is needed to validate the hygiene hypothesis in the context of COVID-19.
• Developing strategies to boost innate immune function could offer a complementary approach to vaccines and antivirals.
• This perspective highlights the importance of environmental influences on immune preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.