Termites and asthma: is there a connection?

Rafael Martinez-Giron, Hugo Cornelis Van Woerden, Cristina Martínez-Torre

Research output: Contribution to journalLetter

Abstract

Termites (order Isoptera; phylum Arthropoda) are highly social insects with a worldwide distribution. They are detritus feeders, and commonly consume dead wood in plants and trees. They can digest ligno-cellulose with the help of a combination of digestive enzymes produced by their intestinal epithelia and symbiotic gut microbiota.A relationship between exposure to household arthropods and the development of asthma has been described (1), but little literature has focused on links between termites and asthma. The aim of this cor-respondence is to outline the potential link between these insects and this inflammatory condition.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2021286
JournalActa Biomedica
Volume92
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Nov 2021

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