Conclusion

One of the factors leading to the emergence of IBD may be lack of exposure to helminths. This exposure normally begins early in childhood, setting up immune response patterns that continue for the life of the individual. In addition to IBD, other immune-mediated diseases have emerged with establishment of modern hygiene.[34] Exposure to schistosomes can protect animals from developing insulin-dependent diabetes[69] or experimental autoimmune encephalitis (a model of multiple sclerosis).[70**,71] Exposure to helminths may protect from allergy and asthma.[51] This suggests that helminths may have served as a lid on a "Pandora's box" of immune pathology. Future study of helminths will identify mechanisms of immune regulation, will potentially uncover novel compounds that alter inflammatory responses, and will address the myriad of questions surrounding their potential for clinical application.