Microbiology Fundamentals: A Clinical Approach
Microbiology Fundamentals: A Clinical Approach
3rd Edition
ISBN: 9781259709227
Author: Marjorie Kelly Cowan Professor, Heidi Smith
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
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Chapter 14, Problem 1Q

Allergy and atopy might have evolved in human populations that have had a “sudden” decrease in

  1. a. vaccinations.
  2. b. exposure to vitamin D.
  3. c. exposure to helminth infections.
  4. d. intake of processed sugar.
Expert Solution & Answer
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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Allergy is type of hypersensitivity condition of the immune system generally in response to harmless substances present in the environment. These substances are termed as allergens. Allergic diseases include atopic dermatitis, food allergies, hay fever, and so many.

Answer to Problem 1Q

Correct answer:

Atopy and allergy might have evolved in human populations that have had a sudden decrease in exposure to helminth infections.

Therefore, option (c) is correct.

Option (c) is given as “exposure to helminth infections”.

Explanation of Solution

Justify reasons for the correct statement:

Atopy refers to chronic local allergies. Atopy and allergy evolved in human populations that had a sudden reduction in exposure to helminth infections. This is because the components that produce allergic response were known to defend against helminths and other human parasites.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Justify reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as “vaccinations”.

Vaccinations were never given in huge amounts. It is not possible that a sudden reduction in vaccination might induce atopy and allergy. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as “exposure to vitamin D”.

Reduction in vitamin D is not associated with the development of allergies and atopy. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as “intake of processed sugar”.

Reduction in the intake of processed sugar did not induce atopy and allergy in human populations. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Allergy and atopy evolved in human populations that have had a sudden reduction in exposure to helminth infections.

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Chapter 14 Solutions

Microbiology Fundamentals: A Clinical Approach

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