Antibiotics May Be Linked to Allergies, Asthma
Posted on: Thursday, 27 May 2004, 06:00 CDT
Mouse study showed they cause changes in immune system
HealthDayNews -- Antibiotics cause changes in gastrointestinal tract microbes and alter immune system responses, making people more sensitive to common allergens, says a University of Michigan Health System study.
The findings with laboratory mice may help explain the growing number of people with asthma, allergies and inflammatory diseases.
"We all have a unique microbial fingerprint -- a specific mix of bacteria and fungi living in our stomach and intestines," researcher Gary B. Huffnagle, an associate professor of internal medicine and of microbiology and immunology, said in a prepared statement.
"Antibiotics knock out bacteria in the gut, allowing fungi to take over temporarily until the bacteria grow back after the antibiotics are stopped. Our research indicates that altering intestinal microflora this way can lead to changes in the entire immune system, which may produce symptoms elsewhere in the body," Huffnagle said.
If confirmed in human studies, these findings could help clarify why rates of asthma, allergies and other chronic inflammatory diseases have greatly increased over the past 40 years, when there's been widespread use of antibiotics, Huffnagle said.
The study was to be presented May 26 at the American Society for Microbiology meeting in New Orleans.
-----
On the Net:
University of Michigan Health System
American Academy of Family Physicians
More science, space, and technology from RedNova
Copyright © 2004 HealthDay. All rights reserved. The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment.
Related Articles
- Shedding Light On The Secret Behind Probiotic Bacteria Promoting Health
- Antibiotic resistant bacteria in sludge
- Companies and Markets Announces the Addition of "Promoting Immune Health and Vitality - Emerging Opportunities, Ingredients and Innovations in Food and Drinks" Market Research Report to Its Portfolio
- Immune Health and Vitality Positioning is Helping Drive Growth in Brands in the Wider $29bn Functional Foods Market and in the $10bn Energy Food and Drinks Market
- Depression More Pervasive Among Back Pain Sufferers, a Study By Spine-Health.Com Reveals
- Peter B. Berger, M.D., Named Associate Chief Research Officer for Clinical Studies at Geisinger Health System
- MD Hospital Industry Defeats Bill Requiring Patient Screening for Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
- Researchers Find How Some Antibiotics Kill Bacteria
- National Study on Children's Health to Provide Wealth of Information
- Study Skills in Health Care
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds