Hygiene Hypothesis News and Research

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The hygiene hypothesis is also sometimes referred to as the biome depletion theory, or the “old friends” theory, is a hypothesis that states that the cause of allergic disease may be immune intolerance resulting from inadequate exposure to parasites and microbes in childhood.

Using probiotics is a safe and effective way to prevent asthma in children

In the first effort of its kind in the United States, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have launched a study to determine whether giving active probiotic supplements to infants can delay or prevent asthma in children.

17 May 2006

Europe-wide study into the role of genetics and the environment in the development asthma

Previous investigations have fallen short of proving cause-effect due to the complexity of human genetics and varying lifestyles. But the EU-funded GABRIEL study has pooled the very best in the field from all over Europe and can draw on the latest genomic and environmental data and approaches.

11 May 2006

Europe wide study to examine causes of asthma

The GABRIEL project, funded through an EC Framework 6 grant, involves over 150 scientists from 14 European countries and Russia, using the latest research across a variety of disciplines, including genetics, epidemiology and immunology, to identify key factors in the development of asthma bronchiale.

9 May 2006

Cesarean births not linked to childhood asthma

The theory that whether a child born by cesarean section or in the normal way, via the birth canal, could affect his or her chances of developing asthma later in life, has been laid to rest.

27 Oct 2005

When it comes to keeping clean, old fashioned soap and water may be best

Over the last decade the popularity of soaps and cleaning products claiming to have anti-bacterial properties has mushroomed as consumers are persuaded, by clever marketing, that they offer a defense against household illnesses.

19 Oct 2005

Parasite could help prevent asthma

Asthma in Britain has reached epidemic proportions and the country now has one of the highest numbers of sufferers of the allergy in the world; in Ireland alone it is reported that as many as 30% of all schoolchildren have symptoms of the disease.

5 Sep 2005

Lack of exposure to dirt and common viral infections among children could be behind the rise in the levels of asthma

Scientists believe that knowing exactly which type of dirt provides the best 'education' for the immune system, could be key to providing new treatments for diseases such as asthma.

4 Sep 2005

Birth order not a factor in multiple sclerosis risk

A new Canadian study suggests that the youngest children in a family are not less likely than older siblings to develop multiple sclerosis (MS).

22 Aug 2005

Key discovery about non-Hodgkin lymphoma

There is a surprise benefit to being either an only child, the oldest sibling or even enduring some allergies – you are significantly less likely to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), according to new research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

19 Apr 2005

Cesarean delivery is associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma hospitalization in premature infants

Cesarean delivery is associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma hospitalization in premature infants, but not in full-term infants, according to a report published in this month’s Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

22 Feb 2005

Exposure to infant siblings decreases multiple sclerosis risk

Adults who report having had higher exposure to infant siblings during their first 6 years of life have a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study in the January 26 issue of JAMA.

26 Jan 2005

Evidence suggests that changes in the bacteria and fungi in the gastrointestinal tract can intensify the immune system's reaction to common allergens

If you want to avoid allergies or asthma, scientists at the University of Michigan Medical School suggest you start paying more attention to what's in your gut.

23 Dec 2004

Asthma study looks at genetic variation and influence response to microbial exposure

The "hygiene hypothesis" suggests that exposures to microbes early in life may drive immune system development in a way that reduces a person's susceptibility to asthma and other allergic diseases.

24 Nov 2004

Vaccine provides new hope to the millions of people who suffer from food allergies

A team led by a researcher at the Stanford University School of Medicine has developed vaccines that vastly reduce or eliminate dogs' allergic reactions to three major food allergens: peanuts, milk and wheat. The vaccines' benefits lasted at least three months.

14 Nov 2004

German researchers are identifying lymphoma risks

Little is known about the causes of lymphoma. A case-control study conducted by Professor Nikolaus Becker and Dr. Alexandra Nieters, Division of Clinical Epidemiology at the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ), is looking closely at possible risk factors.

14 Sep 2004

Hygiene Hypothesis News and Research

Further Reading

Using probiotics is a safe and effective way to prevent asthma in children

Europe-wide study into the role of genetics and the environment in the development asthma

Europe wide study to examine causes of asthma

Cesarean births not linked to childhood asthma

When it comes to keeping clean, old fashioned soap and water may be best

Parasite could help prevent asthma

Lack of exposure to dirt and common viral infections among children could be behind the rise in the levels of asthma

Birth order not a factor in multiple sclerosis risk

Key discovery about non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Cesarean delivery is associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma hospitalization in premature infants

Exposure to infant siblings decreases multiple sclerosis risk

Evidence suggests that changes in the bacteria and fungi in the gastrointestinal tract can intensify the immune system's reaction to common allergens

Asthma study looks at genetic variation and influence response to microbial exposure

Vaccine provides new hope to the millions of people who suffer from food allergies

German researchers are identifying lymphoma risks

High levels of endotoxin, a bacterial compound that collects in house dust, may lower likelihood of eczema in children

Inhibiting the expression of acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) may be effective in controlling asthma

New target for control of early-stage asthma

No justification for claims that cleaning and hygiene contribute to an increase in allergies

Childhood asthma study reveals parental age anomaly

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

From Puberty to Menopause: Clue’s CEO, Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech

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