A Toxocara canis infection influences the immune response to house dust mite allergens in dogs

Abstract

Background: The “hygiene hypothesis” suggests that a western way of life, including the extended use of anti-infective drugs, a high standard of hygiene and the resulting reduced exposure to microorganisms, could be one of the possible explanations for the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases in humans and animals. Objectives: we wished to evaluate if a nematode infection influenced IgE sensitization and allergic reactions to house dust mites in an experimental atopic dog model. Methods: Twelve 10-week-old beagles were included: Show more