[FITZ]

This phenomenon is probably not due to poor hygiene in the USA.

Not necessarily poor hygiene but there can be exposure to animal ---especially dog and cat viruses which don't make us very sick but we might still build up antibodies that would give us some cross-immunity. There could be a lot of factors other than race.

[mikeIII]

It may have more to do with diet. Indians are mostly vegetarian; Chinese don't have much milk or lactose products in their diets. They are also big on some "uncommon" meats, unlike here in the US.

It may all come down to garlic!

[CobaltBlue]

I was wondering about the pet factor. Do Chinese keep cats and dogs as pets? I know that cats are eaten by older Chinese men who think cat meat will restore youthful sexual vigor, and that some consider dog meat a delicacy, but have no idea about the custom or practice of keeping cats and dogs as pets in China.

[Snowy]

Not necessarily poor hygiene but there can be exposure to animal ---especially dog and cat viruses which don't make us very sick but we might still build up antibodies that would give us some cross-immunity. There could be a lot of factors other than race.

You could be on to something. I keep reminding myself that there have been no SARS deaths in the US (yet). On a similar note, I have read where children with allergies are thought to have houses that are 'too clean', and therefore were not given the opportunity to develop immunites. I make a point to keep a little dog hair on the floor and some dust on the tables... for the children. :)