Table 1 Issues Supporting the Hypothesis That Ascariasis Enhances IgE Responses to Environmental Allergens and Allergies

Natural infection is associated with high levels of total and anti-Ascaris IgE responses

In some individuals, natural infection induces IgE-mediated allergic respiratory and cutaneous symptoms

In experimental human and animal models, bronchial challenges with Ascaris extract induce asthma symptoms

Experimental ascariasis in animals enhances IgE response to bystander antigens

Several epidemiological surveys have found that ascariasis is a risk factor for asthma and atopy

IgE responses to Ascaris allergens is more frequent and stronger in mite-sensitized asthmatic patients