Hygiene Hypothesis Flashcards
1
Q
Who first formulated the ‘Hygiene Hypothesis’?
A
Strachan
1989 paper observing household size, hygiene and hay fever.
Later born siblings were found to suffer form less allergy than the first born.
2
Q
What is the general theory behind the Hygiene Hypothesis?
A
A lack of childhood exposure to infectious agents, symbiotic microorganisms (e.g. gut flora), and parasites increases the susceptibility of the individual to develop allergic and immune modulating disease.
3
Q
What observations did Erika von Mutius make?
A
If babies are placed within a cowshed whilst the Mother milks the cows they are protected against allergic diseases in later life.
