Increased resistance to helminth infestation in an atopic population.

Faecal egg counts were compared in three groups in an area of universal hookworm infestation. Egg counts were lower in asthmatic and atopic non-asthmatic subjects than in a non-atopic population. The atopic population was defined by skin testing for immediate hypersensitivity responses. It is suggested that the atopic state may confer increased resistance to helminth infestation.