Conclusions
Evidence of a protective effect of STH parasites against allergy in children remains fragmentary and inconsistent. Our data indicate that maternal geohelminths protect children from the development of allergen SPT but increase the risk of wheeze, and airways reactivity and inflammation. The latter effects were attributable to specific parasite species. Childhood T. trichiura appeared to protect against wheeze. Overall, our findings indicate that in utero exposures to geohelminths through maternal infections may have long-lasting effects on allergic inflammation and airways disease. These effects extended to school age and, depending on the specific trait being measured, could be modified by childhood infections, parasite species, and atopy.