hügieenipõhimõte

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that a lack of early childhood exposure to particular microorganisms, such as those found in dirt or animal feces, may lead to an increase in allergic diseases by altering the developing immune system. This hypothesis proposes that the immune system, in the absence of sufficient "training" from diverse microbes, becomes overreactive to harmless substances, leading to conditions like asthma, eczema, and hay fever.

The theory is not about overall cleanliness but specifically about the absence of microbial diversity. Modern lifestyles, characterized by increased sanitation, reduced exposure to farm animals, and smaller family sizes, are thought to contribute to this diminished microbial exposure. Consequently, the immune system may not develop the necessary regulatory mechanisms to distinguish between harmful pathogens and harmless antigens.

Research supporting the hygiene hypothesis has observed lower rates of allergies in children raised on farms or in households with multiple pets. These environments tend to expose children to a broader range of microorganisms. While the hypothesis remains a subject of ongoing research, it has significantly influenced our understanding of the development of the immune system and the prevalence of allergic conditions. Further studies are exploring ways to harness this understanding to develop new preventative and therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases.