The influence of infections on the development and severity of allergic disorders

U Herz; P Lacy; H Renz; K Erb

doi:10.1016/s0952-7915(00)00155-2

The influence of infections on the development and severity of allergic disorders

Curr Opin Immunol. 2000 Dec;12(6):632-40. doi: 10.1016/s0952-7915(00)00155-2.

Authors

U Herz¹, P Lacy, H Renz, K Erb

Affiliation

¹ Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Central Laboratory, Hospital of the Philipps University, 35033 Baldingerstrasse, Marburg, Germany.

PMID: 11102765
DOI: 10.1016/s0952-7915(00)00155-2

Abstract

The frequency and severity of atopic disorders are steadily increasing, particularly in developing countries. The reason for this observation is not clear. Recent studies indicate that infections with viruses and especially with bacteria early in life may help to inhibit allergic Th2 responses by skewing the immune system towards Th1 responses. However, infections can also lead to the exacerbation of atopic disorders.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Antigens, Bacterial / immunology
Bacterial Infections / immunology*
Humans
Hypersensitivity / immunology
Hypersensitivity / physiopathology
Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology*
Hypersensitivity, Immediate / microbiology
Hypersensitivity, Immediate / physiopathology
Hypersensitivity, Immediate / virology
Lipopolysaccharides / immunology
Staphylococcal Infections / immunology
Staphylococcus aureus / immunology
Superantigens / immunology
Virus Diseases / immunology*

Substances

Antigens, Bacterial
Lipopolysaccharides
Superantigens