Epidemiology

Food Hygiene and Decline in Orofecal Infections May Underlie Epidemic of Asthma and Rhinitis in Developed World

Published in TB and Outbreaks Week, February 29th, 2000

A decline in orofecal infections and a westernized, semi-sterile diet may be the root of the epidemic of allergic asthma and rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose) in developed countries, claim researchers from Italy.

The theory that some infections in early childhood may prevent atopy (a predisposition to allergic reactions) has been hotly debated and the type of infections that may be involved is still unknown. Dr. Paolo Matricardi and colleagues in Rome investigated how exposure to foodborne and orefecal microbes (such as Helicobacter pylori and the hepatitis A virus) as opposed to airborne viruses (such as measles, mumps, and...

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Source: TB and Outbreaks Week (2000-02-29)

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