BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Perturbations in intestinal microbiota composition due to lifestyle changes may be involved in the development of atopic diseases. We examined gut microbiota composition in early infancy and the subsequent development of atopic manifestations and sensitisation. METHODS: The faeces of 957 infants aged 1 month and participating in the KOALA Birth Cohort Study were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR. Information on atopic symptoms (eczema, wheeze) and potential confounders was acquired through repeated questionnaires. Total and specific IgE were measured in venous blood samples collected during home visits when the infant was 2 years old. During these home visits a clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was made according to the UK-Working Party criteria. RESULTS: The presence of Escherichia coli was associated with a higher risk of developing eczema (OR(adj) = 1.87; 95% CI 1.15 to 3.04), this risk being increased with increasing numbers of E coli (p(for trend) = 0.016). Infants colonised with Clostridium difficile were at higher risk of developing eczema (OR(adj) = 1.40; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.91), recurrent wheeze (OR(adj) = 1.75; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.80) and allergic sensitisation (OR(adj) = 1.54; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.31). Furthermore, the presence of C difficile was also associated with a higher risk of a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis during the home visit (OR(adj) = 1.73; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.78). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that differences in gut microbiota composition precede the development of atopy. Since E coli was only associated with eczema and C difficile was associated with all atopic outcomes, the underlying mechanisms explaining these association may be different.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Perturbations in intestinal microbiota composition due to lifestyle changes may be involved in the development of atopic diseases. We examined gut microbiota composition in early infancy and the subsequent development of atopic manifestations and sensitisation. METHODS: The faeces of 957 infants aged 1 month and participating in the KOALA Birth Cohort Study were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR. Information on atopic symptoms (eczema, wheeze) and potential confounders was acquired through repeated questionnaires. Total and specific IgE were measured in venous blood samples collected during home visits when the infant was 2 years old. During these home visits a clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was made according to the UK-Working Party criteria. RESULTS: The presence of Escherichia coli was associated with a higher risk of developing eczema (OR(adj) = 1.87; 95% CI 1.15 to 3.04), this risk being increased with increasing numbers of E coli (p(for trend) = 0.016). Infants colonised with Clostridium difficile were at higher risk of developing eczema (OR(adj) = 1.40; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.91), recurrent wheeze (OR(adj) = 1.75; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.80) and allergic sensitisation (OR(adj) = 1.54; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.31). Furthermore, the presence of C difficile was also associated with a higher risk of a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis during the home visit (OR(adj) = 1.73; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.78). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that differences in gut microbiota composition precede the development of atopy. Since E coli was only associated with eczema and C difficile was associated with all atopic outcomes, the underlying mechanisms explaining these association may be different.
Authors: Ischa Kummeling; Carel Thijs; John Penders; Bianca E P Snijders; Foekje Stelma; Johan Reimerink; Marion Koopmans; Pieter C Dagnelie; Machteld Huber; Margje C J F Jansen; Rob de Bie; Piet A van den Brandt Journal: Pediatr Allergy Immunol Date: 2005-12 Impact factor: 6.377
Authors: Bianca Harris; Sejal M Morjaria; Eric R Littmann; Alexander I Geyer; Diane E Stover; Juliet N Barker; Sergio A Giralt; Ying Taur; Eric G Pamer Journal: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Date: 2016-08-15 Impact factor: 21.405