Babies with Mature Gut Bacteria Less Likely to Develop Allergy-Related Wheezing: Study
Babies and young children who have more mature gut bacteria are less likely to develop allergy-related wheezing or asthma, according to a recent study presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan. The research, conducted by Yuan Gao and her colleagues at Deakin University in Australia, focused on understanding the impact of gut microbiota on allergic diseases in children.
The human body develops communities of bacteria, known as microbiota or the microbiome, during the early years of life. These bacteria not only help in synthesizing vitamins but also play a crucial role in boosting the immune system. Additionally, they may affect disease processes such as inflammatory bowel disease and stomach ulcers.
The study examined 1074 babies who were part of the Barwon Infant Study (BIS) in Australia. Fecal samples were collected from the babies at one month, six months, and one year after birth to analyze the bacteria present. The parents were also asked to report if their children had developed allergy-related wheezing or asthma in the previous 12 months. Skin-prick tests were done to check for allergic reactions to different foods and airborne substances that trigger allergies.
The findings of the study revealed that babies with more mature gut microbiota at one year old had a lower chance of developing allergy-related wheeze or asthma at one and four years old. The researchers noticed that the overall composition of the gut microbiota was associated with a reduced risk, rather than specific bacteria.
Building upon these results, Gao and her team are planning a new clinical trial called ARROW. This trial aims to recruit 2000 children from Australia and New Zealand to investigate whether administering a mixture of dead bacteria orally can protect children from wheezing illnesses and asthma by enhancing their immune response to viral infections. Since viruses are a common cause of childhood illnesses leading to chest infections and wheezing, it is hoped that this approach could help prevent such conditions.
The researchers believe that understanding how the gut microbiota improves the immune system can lead to the development of new ways to prevent allergy-related diseases like asthma. By exploring methods to advance the maturation of gut microbiota in early life, it may be possible to reduce the incidence of asthma and other allergic conditions in children. However, more research is needed as there is still limited knowledge about why babies develop allergies and asthma.
In conclusion, this study highlights the significant role of mature gut bacteria in reducing the risk of allergy-related wheezing and asthma in babies and young children. The findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between gut microbiota and allergic diseases. With further research, it is hoped that new strategies can be developed to protect children from these conditions and improve their overall health and well-being.
