Most infants get these bacteria naturally from the environment. But some babies are given antibiotics that kill these bacteria, and some are not exposed to them for various reasons
These findings indicate that bacteria that live in and on us may have a role in asthma
The guts of children who are at high risk for asthma display low levels of four specific bacterial species when they are three months old, scientists have discovered. The finding could lead to a test that can more accurately predict which children might develop asthma, but the upshot of the study is even bigger. The scientists think their study could lead to a microbe-based treatment that might prevent the development of asthma in infants.
For the study, Finlay and colleagues looked for four types of bacteria in stool samples form more than 300 babies at 3 months and one year old of age.
The researchers found that 22 children with low levels of these bacteria at age 3 months also had low levels at age 1 year.
These 22 children are at the highest risk of developing asthma, and eight have been diagnosed with the respiratory disease so far.
In the first 100 days of life, gut makeup influences the immune response that causes or protects kids from asthma
Testing for these bacteria in infants might help identify children who have a high risk of developing asthma, Turvey said. "These children could be followed and treated more quickly if they end up with asthma
Whether giving kids probiotics -- good bacteria -- might reduce asthma risk isn't known, the researchers said. Turvey said the probiotics available in over-the-counter forms do not include the four bacteria identified in this study.