Biological Science (6th Edition)

Published by Benjamin Cummings
ISBN 10: 0321976495
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-649-9

Chapter 48 - The Immune System in Animals - Review - Case Study - Page 1028: 11

Answer

The hygiene hypothesis describes the risk of allergies and autoimmune disease is increased due to high sanitation. The correlation tries to explain the positive link between the risk of developing disorders and sanitation level.

Work Step by Step

The hygiene hypothesis explains that individuals develop allergies and autoimmune diseases due to enhanced hygiene practice. This over hygiene practice leads to less exposure to an antigen of pathogens and parasites. The IgE (immunoglobulin E) is responsible for generating an immune response. If the IgEs are not normally expressed and an individual is exposed to an allergen, he/she elicits the allergic reaction. The correlation attempts to explain the positive link pertaining to the level of sanitation and development of the disorder.
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