Does the hygiene hypothesis apply to COVID-19 susceptibility?

Microbes Infect. 2020 Oct;22(9):400-402. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2020.07.002. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

Abstract

In this commentary we argue that the hygiene hypothesis may apply to COVID-19 susceptibility and also that residence in low hygienic conditions acts to train innate immune defenses to minimize the severity of infection. We advocate that approaches, which elevate innate immune functions, should be used to minimize the consequences of COVID-19 infection at least until effective vaccines and antiviral therapies are developed.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Betacoronavirus / immunology
  • Betacoronavirus / pathogenicity*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Child
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / ethnology
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Developed Countries / economics
  • Developing Countries / economics
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis
  • Humans
  • Hygiene / economics*
  • Hygiene Hypothesis*
  • Life Style / ethnology*
  • Pandemics* / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / ethnology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Viral Vaccines / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Allergens
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Viral Vaccines