Reviewing the hygiene hypothesis

Exposure by infants to the typical bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract  may protect a person, in later life, from autoimmune disease. To date, this theory is based on studies carried out using a mouse model, and this is outlined in some recent research. 

The researchers argue state that their evidence backs the 'hygiene hypothesis.' This theory puts forward the idea that the marked increase in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases since the 1950's. is the direct result from changes in our exposure to microbes which occur in childhood as a result of reduced exposure to the less than sanitary conditions.

The reference is:

Janet G. M. Markle, Daniel N. Frank, Steven Mortin-Toth, Charles E. Robertson, Leah M. Feazel, Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk, Martin von Bergen, Kathy D. McCoy, Andrew J. Macpherson, and Jayne S. Danska. Sex Differences in the Gut Microbiome Drive Hormone-Dependent Regulation of Autoimmunity. Science, January 17, 2013 DOI: 10.1126/science.1233521

Posted by Tim Sandle