Does the composition of oral microbes continue to eczema in early life?
University of Melbourne
Overview:
Eczema is the most common skin disorder in developed countries, affecting about 20% of children. The characteristic itching and scratching associated with eczema disrupt sleep and learning impacting the quality of life of patients and their families. The onset of eczema is not well understood, genetic factors alone do not fully explain the inheritance of this condition. Microbial communities, or the microbiome, are inherited from parents and could directly affect the incidence of eczema and help explain part of the missing heritability of eczema. Imbalances of the gut, skin, and nasopharyngeal microbiome were associated with the development of abnormal immune responses and allergies including eczema. The mouth is a significant site for microbial exposure, primarily to bacteria. Hence, it is likely that the early colonization of oral surfaces may have a role in eczema development. This proposal will assess whether a less diverse oral microbiome dominated by specific bacteria in early life increases the risk of developing eczema later. I will analyze saliva samples collected at six weeks of life from the Prevention of Eczema by a Barrier Lipid Equilibrium Strategy (PEBBLES) study based in Melbourne. This timing is ideal for assessing early life factors. Data on eczema outcomes and other relevant factors such as socioeconomic status and allergies was collected. The outcomes will be highly impactful and result in significant knowledge gain towards improved risk prediction and early detection of allergic conditions. The oral microbiome
is a modifiable risk factor, early life interventions could reduce eczema development.
Status:
This study was funded through the 2024 Childhood Eczema Challenge Grant.
