details

Published on
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 5:17 p.m
from the Meilleurtaux editorial team

Canadian researchers conducted a longitudinal study of more than 1,000 children from birth to five years old to determine a possible link between gut flora imbalance and the early onset of allergies. They discovered a causal connection between the microbiota of the digestive tract and the immune system.

The microbiota: an important player in health

In recent years, several studies have confirmed the essential role of the gut microbiota in health.

The imbalance of this bacterial flora is therefore associated with numerous pathologies such as depression, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases or even cardiovascular diseases.

I find the best health insurance

A close connection between microbiota and allergy

A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that eczema, asthma, food allergies and allergic rhinitis share a common feature: an imbalance of intestinal bacteria in early childhood.

Although these allergies manifest with different symptoms, analysis at the cellular level reveals deep similarities.

A bacterial “signature” in allergic children

Researchers at BC Children’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia tracked more than 1,000 children. About half of them had no known allergies, while the rest had developed one or more allergies by the age of five.

ImportantStool samples collected at 3 months and 1 year showed a specific bacterial “signature” in allergic children, indicating an imbalance in the digestive tract microbiota associated with changes in the intestinal mucosa and increased inflammation.

The parallel between microbiota and immune system

The intestinal flora and the immune system develop simultaneously in infants. Although this maturation period is generally associated with healthy immune tolerance, it can lead to allergic sensitization in some children.

Therapies aimed at modulating these interactions in early childhood could prevent the onset of persistent allergies.

I find the best health insurance

Allergy: a major public health problem

Allergic diseases affect millions of people around the world. Understanding their origin and knowing how to prevent them is of utmost importance for public health.

In addition, this would lead to a reduction in the burden on social security, which covers 70% of the costs of consultations with an allergist, with the rest being covered by social security mutual health of the patient.