Immunity of Geohelminthiasis and the Effect on Modulation of Autoimmunity and Allergy

Geohelminths infections are a group of nematodes worms that are transmitted to human by ingestion of eggs or larvae penetration after contact with contaminated soil. The main species that infect people are the Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Geohelminth infection has been shown to have a significant impact in modulates others pathologies. These parasites might enhance the survival modulating the immune response of their host inducing a regulatory response. This chapter is a review of the recent literature about the host immune response against geohelminths and the potential effect of these infections on non-parasite immune response.

Keywords: Allergies, Autoimmunity, Geohelminthiasis, Immunomodulation.