Resumo

FUNDORA HERNANDEZ, Hermes et al. Geohelminthiasis, asthma and allergic disease. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2013, vol.51, n.3, pp. 320-330. ISSN 1561-3003.

Enteroparasite infections occur in tropical and subtropical regions of the planet. Among them are parasitoses transmitted by contact with the ground, also known as geohelminthiases, which are among the most common. Despite the successful generation of Th2 response, helminths are often capable of living inside their hosts, causing them chronic infections for long periods of time, as a result of evolutionary adaptation mechanisms allowing them to evade immunological responses. Epidemiological observations show that the prevalence of geohelminthiases has decreased in developed countries, in contrast to the rising prevalence of diseases caused by immunological and inflammatory alterations, such as allergy and asthma. The present review paper is aimed at presenting the main epidemiological evidence published both internationally and in Cuba about such a relationship. A discussion is also provided of the main immunological mechanisms invoked.

Palavras-chave : helminthiasis; asthma; epidemiology; immunological system.

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