title: Parasitic worms and allergies in childhood: insights from population studies 2008-2013.
abstract: The last few decades have seen a marked increase in the global prevalence of allergic diseases particularly among children. Among the factors attributed to this rise has been reduced exposure to pathogens during childhood leading to insufficient maturation of the regulatory arm of developing immune systems. Over the years, a number of epidemiological studies have observed an inverse relationship between parasitic worm (helminth) infections and allergies. The purpose of this review is to highlight insights from population studies conducted among children published between 2008 and 2013 that explore the complex dynamics between helminth infections and allergies. These insights include the effect of anthelmintic treatment on allergic responses, an elucidation of immune mechanisms and an examination of helminth-induced immunoglobulin E cross-reactivity. A better understanding of the relationship between helminths and allergies is imperative as research directions move toward harnessing the therapeutic potential of helminths and their products in the treatment of allergic disorders.
authors: Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana.
authors: Abena S
authors: AS
authors: Amoah
authors: Daniel A
authors: DA
authors: Boakye
authors: Ronald
authors: R
authors: van Ree
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Yazdanbakhsh
mesh_terms: D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003429:Cross Reactions; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000502:physiology; D012882:Skin Tests; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000871:Anthelmintics; D016753:Interleukin-10; D007073:Immunoglobulin E
keywords: anthelmintic treatment; asthma; atopy; eczema; helminths; immune mechanisms; immunoglobulin E cross-reactivity; rhinoconjunctivitis; skin prick testing; urbanization