title: [Worms in prevention of allergy].
abstract: The increase in allergy and autoimmune diseases is suspected to be caused by the diminished contact of humans with microorganisms. Microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and their components, as well as parasitic worms modify the human defence system. The applicability of parasitic worms and their components to the prevention of allergy has been investigated. Most clinical studies have been carried out with whipworm eggs (Trichuris suis), because they do not cause a severe infection. There is preliminary evidence of their efficacy in inflammatory bowel diseases, but convincing evidence in the treatment of allergy is lacking.
authors.affiliation: HYKS Iho- ja allergiasairaala ja Helsingin yliopisto, transplantaatiolaboratorio.
authors.forename: Sanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Toppila-Salmi
authors.forename: Tari
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Haahtela
authors.forename: Mika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mäikelä
authors.forename: Risto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Renkonen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006376:Helminths / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D061147:Therapy with Helminths; D014258:Trichuris / Q000276:immunology*