Early infection protects against allergies
Thursday June 25th, 2009
Infection with a common virus at an early age helps protect children against developing allergies, according to new findings.
New research has been carried out on a group of children followed from birth to five years.
Children who contracted the Epstein-Barr virus before the age of two had a lower risk of producing antibodies against allergens, so-called allergic sensitisation. This sensitisation increases the chance of hay fever, asthma and food allergies.
The Epstein-Barr virus is a common herpes virus that is carried by most people, and usually spread by saliva. Normally, parents do not notice when their children become infected.
Researcher Shanie Hedengren of Stockhold University, Sweden, says that the immune system "learns" from picking up viruses in early life. White blood cells known as monocytes are crucial to this process.
"Imbalance in monocyte function, as a result of less stimulation by microbes and viruses early in life, may play an important role in the development of allergies," says Ms Hedengren.
The earlier an individual is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, the better, she adds.
"Contracting Epstein-Barr virus later in life can lead to glandular fever. Perhaps from an evolutionary perspective it is more advantageous for both the virus and its host to meet earlier in life," said Ms Hedengren.
In her study, she found that contracting the virus after the age of two was linked to a greater risk of allergic sensitisation when the children reached five years old.
Children with allergic mothers "need adequate immune stimulation early in life in order to reduce the risk of allergies. In other words, lots of love in the form of many and sloppy kisses," she concludes.
Hedengren, S. S. Dissertation: Microbial and maternal influences on allergic sensitization during childhood, defining a role for monocytes. Presented at the Division of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Sweden.
Tags: Allergies & Asthma | Child Health | Europe | Flu & Viruses
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