Research assistants and technicians from the University of Ghana collect dust samples from the living rooms and bedrooms of children in Accra, Ghana. The samples will be analyzed for the presence of dust mites, fungus', and animal allergens to help researchers better understand why children in wealthier homes have higher rates of allergies and asthma than poorer children. The leading theory is that higher rates of helminth (parasite) infections among poorer children are affecting the immune system in a way that offers protection from allergies and asthma. The study aims to find out what the worms are doing, isolate the beneficial effect and replicate it.

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