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.