Modulating the microbiome

The incidence of immunoglobulin (Ig) E sensitization and associated diseases has been on the rise since the late 19th century, reaching epidemic proportions in the current era.1 This increase has occurred over just 4 generations, a rate that far exceeds the rate at which genetics alone could account for the change. Explaining the cause for this epidemic has proved to be a challenge for epidemiologists, scientists, and clinical researchers alike. In 1980, David Strachan proposed the well-known “hygiene hypothesis,” which proposed that the increase in hay fever and eczema was a result of the decrease in “opportunity for cross infection in young families,” at least partially caused by higher standards of personal cleanliness.
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Perspective Source Type: research