Allergies, in children the origin is in the bacteria of the intestine

The

is in the

of the

that populate the

and an Italian research published in the journal Nature Communications has

that favor the appearance of these disorders, which in Italy affect at least 25 out of 100 children and which they are constantly growing.

The study was conducted by Ceinge, the center of excellence of the University Hospital and of the Federico II University of Naples, together with researchers from the University Task Force for microbiome studies. "This is the first study on the intestinal metagenome of children suffering from allergies", observe in a note Ceinge and Federico II University, referring to the analysis of the DNA of the microorganisms that make up the intestinal flora. "A turning point - it is noted - that scholars consider decisive for the prevention and treatment of one of the most common pediatric diseases".

The research has made it possible to discover the species of bacteria that promote allergies and is the culmination of the studies conducted by the group of Roberto Berni Canani, head of the Pediatric Allergology program of the Department of Translational Medical Sciences of the Federico II University and director of the Laboratory of Immunonutrition of Ceinge, in collaboration with Danilo Ercolini, director of the Department of Agriculture and head of the task force of the Federico II University for microbiome studies.

In the past, some species of bacteria had been identified that could promote the onset of allergies, but further evidence was needed on the role of these microorganisms in inducing the disease. It was genetic analysis technologies that made it possible to find confirmation. "We have identified alterations in the structure and functions of the intestinal microbiome capable of determining, not only the appearance of respiratory or food allergies, but of influencing their clinical course", observes Berni Canani. "Finally - he adds - it will be possible to set up innovative strategies capable of predicting the onset and course of allergic diseases, favoring early diagnosis and paving the way for more effective prevention and therapy interventions".

The data obtained in the study "represent an important step towards the knowledge of the origin of allergic diseases which, despite decades of scientific research, remains largely unknown, and - observes Berni Canani - allow us to highlight the importance of environmental factors ( in primis the eating habits and the lifestyle) which, acting negatively on the intestinal microbiome and on the immune system of the child, are at the base of the dramatic epidemiological changes ".

Allergies are in fact considered one of the epidemics of the 21st century as they affect about 30% of children all over the world and it is estimated that in the last 20 years in Italy "the percentage of allergic children has more than tripled, going from 7 to 25 % ", notes the researcher.

As regards Campania alone, "the prevalence of food allergies in children has increased by over 40% in the last decade and in the same period the number of children who have requested access to the emergency room for serious allergic reactions has increased by 500% ".