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Altered Gut Microbiome and Environmental Factors Associated with Development of Eczema in Hong Kong Infants: A
Carmen Wing Han Chan1, Judy Yuet Wa Chan1, Ting Fan Leung2,3
1The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Insights
Infant eczema risk is linked to gut bacteria and parental factors. Higher Bifidobacterium levels were found in infants with eczema, suggesting a potential gut microbiome connection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Microbiome research
Background:
- Eczema affects 20% of children globally, influenced by complex factors.
- The relationship between eczema, gut microbiome, and environmental influences requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between infant eczema and gut microbiome composition.
- To identify potential environmental and nutritional risk factors for eczema development in newborns.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 152 mother-infant pairs in Hong Kong.
- Collected questionnaires on allergies, maternal diet, and environment.
- Analyzed infant gut microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing on stool samples.
- Classified eczema status at 4 months using CECAQ and SCORAD index.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher abundance of Bifidobacterium in infants with eczema (p=0.04).
- Father's education level, maternal cereal intake, and supplement use during pregnancy were associated with eczema development (p=0.008, 0.032, 0.015).
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests a link between Bifidobacterium and infant eczema.
- Identified parental education and maternal diet during pregnancy as potential eczema risk factors.
- Results support further research into eczema's multifactorial origins.
Abstract:
Eczema is a multifactorial skin disease that affects 20% of children worldwide and has a complex relationship with microbial, nutritional, parental and environmental factors. In this study, we investigated the potential association of eczema with the gut microbiome and environmental factors. One hundred and fifty-two newborn subjects and their mothers were recruited within 10 days postnatally at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong, China and asked to complete questionnaires on allergies, maternal diet and environmental assessment at enrolment. Then, the participants were classified as with or without eczema at four months after birth based on the Comprehensive Early Childhood Allergy Questionnaire (CECAQ) and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index (n = 48, with 24 in each group). Stool samples were collected from both groups at the same time. Microbial DNA was extracted from each stool sample, and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the gut microbiome profiles of the subjects. Our results indicated that the abundance of Bifidobacterium was significantly higher in the eczema group than in the control group (p = 0.04). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted, and the results showed that the father's education level and maternal intake of cereal products and nutritional supplements during pregnancy were associated with the development of eczema (p = 0.008, 0.032 and 0.015, respectively). In conclusion, this study provided preliminary information about the potential risk factors of eczema development in Hong Kong infants in support of a future full study.
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