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Bacteria that live on dogs prevent the development of asthma
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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"These microbes can become a protective barrier to a child from a disease such as asthma." This conclusion was made by specialists from the University of California under the leadership of Dr. Kay Fujimura. According to scientists, the bacteria that live in animals serve as a kind of barrier to the respiratory syncytial virus, which increases the risk of asthma.
Indeed, bacterial communities in composition in homes with the presence of animals and without them have a significant difference from each other. And if a dog lives in the dwelling, the child in the future is unlikely to develop asthma. In order to understand this issue well, scientists collected samples of dust taken from different houses, and then fed samples to mice along with food.
Eight days later, a respiratory syncytial virus was introduced into the animals, while simultaneously monitoring their immune response. So, those mice that received samples taken in houses where the dogs lived did not show signs of inflammation or mucus secretion. Plus, bacteria communities were found in the gastrointestinal tract of mice, which differed radically from the control group.
It is the microflora that is in the intestine and is the defense against the virus. It is possible, if at an early age to have an effect on the body, then in relation to diseases like asthma develop immunity. To confirm this, additional research is required.
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