Question

Consider two families: one resides in a rural village with minimal sanitation facilities, while the other lives in a modern city with advanced hygiene practices. According to the hygiene hypothesis, what might be the contrasting outcomes related to allergies in these two families?

Question 7Select one:

a.
Both families are equally likely to experience allergies since genetics primarily dictate allergic responses.

b.
The rural family is less prone to allergies than the urban family because they are more exposed to a diverse array of microbes, especially helminths.

c.
The urban family is more likely to develop allergies than the rural family because they are exposed to higher rates of infectious diseases due to the increased transmission of disease in large populations.

d.
The urban family is less likely to develop allergies than the rural family due to better access to healthcare.

Answer 1

The allergies in these two families b. The rural family is less prone to allergies than the urban family because they are more exposed to a diverse array of microbes, especially helminths. Therefore , b. The rural family is less prone to allergies than the urban family because they are more exposed to a diverse array of microbes, especially helminths is correct .

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that the increasing prevalence of allergies and autoimmune diseases in modern societies may be linked to reduced exposure to infections and microbes during early childhood.

In the context of the two families described, the rural family residing in a village with minimal sanitation facilities is likely to have greater exposure to various microbes, including helminths (parasitic worms).

This exposure can stimulate the immune system in a way that helps regulate and balance its responses.

On the other hand, the urban family with advanced hygiene practices may experience less microbial exposure, leading to an immune system that is more prone to developing allergic responses.

The hypothesis proposes that early and regular exposure to diverse microbes, especially in childhood, plays a crucial role in training the immune system to distinguish between harmless and harmful substances, reducing the likelihood of developing allergies later in life.

Therefore, the rural family is expected to be less prone to allergies compared to the urban family due to their increased exposure to a variety of microbes in their environment.