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Helicobacter pylori colonisation and eczema.
Olf Herbarth1, Mario Bauer, Gisela J Fritz
1Department of Human Exposure Research and Epidemiology, Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) Leipzig-Halle, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany. olf.herbarth@ufz.de
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|June 15, 2007
Summary
The hygiene hypothesis suggests fewer microbes increase allergies. This study found Helicobacter pylori infection protects children from eczema, while bronchitis increases eczema risk, differentiating infection types for better understanding.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The hygiene hypothesis links reduced microbial exposure to increased atopic diseases.
- Specific protective roles of different infection types remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between gastrointestinal (Helicobacter pylori) and respiratory infections with atopic eczema in children.
- To differentiate the impact of bacterial digestive tract colonization versus respiratory infections on eczema development.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological study of 3347 school starters in Leipzig, Germany.
- Assessed Helicobacter pylori colonization via [(13)C] urea breath test.
- Recorded physician-diagnosed respiratory infections (bronchitis, common cold).
Main Results:
- Helicobacter pylori infection showed a significant inverse association with eczema in children not predisposed to atopy (aOR = 0.31, p = 0.006).
- Bronchitis was significantly associated with an increased risk of eczema (aOR = 1.98, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Bacterial digestive tract colonization, exemplified by H. pylori, appears protective against eczema.
- Respiratory infections, like bronchitis, may increase eczema risk, suggesting a nuanced view of the hygiene hypothesis.
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