Mother’s contact with pets, childbirth and breed are important factors in the risk of developing an allergy in a child before the age of 2, according to the researchers, whose conclusions are published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Researchers at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit found that children whose mothers did not shy away from contact with pets during pregnancy have 28 percent. lower levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that is involved in the development of allergic reactions.
Additionally, in the case of Europeans, Asians and inhabitants of the Middle East, the level of IgE was 33%. lower, while among African American children it was only 10% lower.
We believe that high and varied exposure to a wide variety of microbacteria at home and during labor has an impact on the development of a baby’s immune system, says Dr. Christine Cole Johnson, lead author of the study.
The researcher notes that the method of delivery also plays a role. The risk of developing an allergy is lower among naturally born babies compared to babies born via caesarean section. Passage through the birth canal is associated with greater exposure to various types of bacteria, which may immunize the immune system of the newborn.
These conclusions are drawn from a four-year study of 1187 children. Serum IgE levels were measured at birth, after six months and at the age of two.
These observations help understand the biological mechanisms that increase the risk of allergic diseases, says Dr. Johnson, adding that this supports the hygienic hypothesis that too sterile lifestyle increases the risk of developing allergies and asthma (PAP).
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