Abstract
Background The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ has been used to justify a belief common among homeopaths,
that the suppression of childhood infections and immunisation may lead to the development
of chronic atopic diseases.
Objectives To analyse the influence of childhood infections and immunisation on the development
of atopy.
Methods Qualitative systematic review of direct epidemiological evidence (Medline 1993–2004)
concerning the influence of childhood infections and immunisation on the development
of atopy and discussion based on homeopathy.
Conclusions (1) Childhood infections do not protect against atopy; on the contrary, they increase
the risk of allergic diseases, in agreement to Hahnemann's observations, which included
epidemic diseases among the factors capable of stimulating the development of chronic
diseases. (2) Vaccination is not a risk factor for atopy, notwithstanding the allergenic
effect of some vaccines.
Keywords
hygiene hypothesis - infections - vaccination - atopy - allergy - direct evidence
- epidemiological review - systematic review - Hahnemann - Homeopathy