Parasitic worms and inflammatory diseases
2006
Parasitic Worms and Inflammatory Diseases
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): ZACCONE P, FEHERVARI Z, PHILLIPS J M, DUNNE D W, COOKE A
Primary Institution: Department of Pathology, Cambridge, UK
Hypothesis
Does the interaction between parasitic worms and the human immune system play a role in the rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the human immune system has evolved in conjunction with parasitic worms, and understanding this relationship may lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- Autoimmune diseases have increased in developed countries due to improved sanitation and reduced exposure to infections.
- The Hygiene Hypothesis suggests that lack of infections during childhood may lead to autoimmune diseases.
- Epidemiological data show that autoimmune diseases are rare in populations with high rates of infections.
Takeaway
Parasitic worms might help our immune system stay healthy, and not having them could lead to more autoimmune diseases like diabetes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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