[The hygiene hypothesis: a fruitful concept in immunological research].
There is no longer any discussion about the first part of the hygiene hypothesis: insufficient stimulation of the developing immune system in young children leads to a disordered immune system that does not know when to react and when not to react to external or internal stimuli. The second part of the hypothesis states that this disordered immune response is responsible for the worldwide increase in allergies during the past 30 years. Randomised studies on this subject are impossible. It is clear, however, that micro-organisms can contribute to the development of a vigorous immune system and thus decrease the risk of allergy. The hygiene hypothesis is very much alive in immunological research.
Savelkoul
H F J
HF
Wageningen Universiteit, Leerstoelgroep Celbiologie en Immunologie, Postbus 9101, 6700 HB Wageningen. huub.savelkoul@wur.nl
D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology*