According to a recent study the kind of bacteria found within childcare facilities might have an impact on the emergence of initial asthma indicators in children. This study has raised questions regarding the potential lasting repercussions of daycare environments on the respiratory well-being of children.
Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) researchers conducted an the study in Paris, collecting dust samples from over 100 daycare centers through the utilization of specialized vacuum devices. Subsequently, they performed an analysis of the dust samples to discern the various varieties of bacteria existing within these environments.
Dr. Annabelle Bédard, the study’s lead researcher, said that microbes, including bacteria, are present in various environments, including our homes, skin, and bodies. These microbial communities, called microbiota, can impact our health positively or negatively. Young children encounter these bacteria in day care centers through skin contact, oral exposure, and inhalation.
Researchers categorized bacteria into four groups from collected samples. One group, primarily composed of Streptococcus and Lactococcus bacteria, was linked to a higher risk of wheezing in children, an early asthma indicator. The risk of recurrent wheezing varies based on the bacterial composition in daycare environments.
The study involving 515 children, averaging two years old and attending daycare centers, interviewed their parents regarding respiratory issues like wheezing. The research indicates that daycare choice may affect a child’s respiratory health.
Future studies should investigate factors like cleaning and ventilation that may influence bacteria types present, contributing to a better understanding of the environment’s impact on health. This study represents progress in exploring the link between surroundings and well-being.
The researchers intend to track the children’s development for asthma and investigate additional factors affecting bacteria in daycare centers to inform preventive health strategies against chronic diseases like asthma.
The researchers intend to maintain ongoing surveillance of the children to assess their potential for asthma development as they mature. Furthermore, their objective is to investigate additional variables that could impact the prevalence of specific bacteria within daycare facilities to offer insight on guidelines to prevent asthma.