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The idea of a link between parasite infection and immune disorders was first suggested in 1968 [13] before the advent of large scale DNA sequencing techniques.The original formulation of the hygiene hypothesis dates from 1989, when David Strachan proposed that lower incidence of infection in early childhood could be an explanation for the rise in allergic diseases such as asthma and hay fever ...
The Hygiene hypothesis postulates that decreasing exposure to pathogens and other microorganisms results in an increase of autoimmune diseases, according to Rook. [17] This theory and the theory that certain parasitic worms pacify the immune response are similar in that both theories attribute the recent rise of autoimmune diseases to the ...
This therapy ties to the Hygiene hypothesis in that the lack of exposure to bacteria and parasites such as helminths can cause a weaker immune system leading to being more susceptible to autoimmune disease. [4] [5] Helminth worms are members of two phyla: nematodes, which are primarily used in human helminthic therapy, and flat worms . [2]
According to the hygiene hypothesis, high levels of cleanliness expose children to fewer antigens than in the past, causing their immune systems to become overactive and more likely to misidentify own tissues as foreign, resulting in autoimmune or allergic conditions such as asthma.
There is a proposed causal relationship, known as the "hygiene hypothesis" that indicates that there are more autoimmune disorders and allergies in developed countries with fewer infections. [66] In developing countries, it is assumed that the rates of allergies are lower than developed countries.
The hygiene hypothesis is that humans evolved to be dependent on certain microorganisms that help establish the immune system, and modern hygiene practices can prevent necessary exposure to these microorganisms.
Environmental factors are also thought to play a role in the development of atopy, and the 'hygiene hypothesis' is one of the models that may explain the steep rise in the incidence of atopic diseases, though this hypothesis is incomplete and in some cases, contradictory to findings. [4]
[33] [34] Lack of exposure to naturally occurring pathogens may result in an increased incidence of autoimmune diseases. [35] [36] (See hygiene hypothesis.) A complete explanation of how environmental factors play a role in autoimmune diseases has still not been proposed.