The hygiene hypothesis: an evolutionary perspective

Manuela Sironi; Mario Clerici

doi:10.1016/j.micinf.2010.02.002

The hygiene hypothesis: an evolutionary perspective

Microbes Infect. 2010 Jun;12(6):421-7. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2010.02.002. Epub 2010 Feb 21.

Authors

Manuela Sironi¹, Mario Clerici

Affiliation

¹ Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bioinformatics, Via don L. Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini (LC), Italy. manuela.sironi@bp.lnf.it

PMID: 20178858
DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2010.02.002

Abstract

The hygiene hypothesis relies on the assumption that humans have adapted to a pathogen-rich environment that no longer exists in industrialized societies. Recent advances in molecular immunology and population genetics allow deeper insight into the evolution and co-evolution of host-pathogen interactions and, therefore, into the foundations of the hygiene hypothesis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Biological Evolution*
Genetics, Population
Host-Pathogen Interactions*
Humans
Hygiene*
Selection, Genetic*