Dust in daycares contained bacteria that could cause lung problems in children, study finds

Bacteria-containing dust found in daycares could put children at risk higher risk of asthmasuggests a new study from the European Respiratory Society.

In the study, researchers collected dust samples from 103 different daycare centers in Paris, France.

Then they analyzed the samples in the laboratory to identify the bacteria found in each one.

The researchers also asked the parents of 515 children to reveal whether the children suffered from wheezing or other symptoms. breathing problems.

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Of the four types of bacteria found, one of them – which included streptococcus and lactococcus – was associated with a higher risk of wheezing.

It is often a precursor to asthma in children under 3 years old, the journal notes.

The average age of children in the nurseries tested was 2 years old.

The results were presented at the international congress of the European Respiratory Society in Milan, Italy, by Dr. Annabelle Bédard, a researcher at Inserm (the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) in Paris, Italy. France.

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“We find mixtures of different bacteria and other microbes living everywhere — outside, inside our homes, on our skin and even inside our bodies,” Bédard said in his presentation. “These communities of bacteria, called microbiota, can have beneficial or harmful effects on our health.

She added: “Young children will come into contact with bacteria living in childcare centers through their skin and mouth and by breathing them in. We could therefore expect this exposure to have an impact on the development of children’s lungs via the different microbiota that result. in the respiratory tract, intestine or skin of children.

Of the four types of bacteria found, one of them – which included streptococcus and lactococcus – was associated with a higher risk of wheezing, which is often a precursor to asthma in children younger than 3 years. (iStock)

These results highlight the need to further study indoor air quality in child care centers, Bédard said.

“We now need to understand what factors influence this bacterial community, for example how rooms are cleaned and ventilated, as well as indoor air quality,” she said.

“This, along with future results from other studies, could help us understand how to improve conditions and inform public health strategies to prevent chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, in children.

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Researchers plan to track the health of the children in the study to determine which children develop asthma as they grow up.

Dr. Steven Abelowitz, founder and medical director of Coastal Children’s Pediatrics in California and also medical director of Pediatric Associates, was not involved in the study but reviewed the results.

He noted that some of the bacteria found in the study are quite common, while others are less common.

“We still have a lot to learn about these complex types of bacteria and how our bodies respond to them.”

“According to the study, at least two types of bacteria (Streptococcus and Lactococcus) – which were the second most common bacteria found – showed an association with a higher risk of wheezing in the study,” Abelowitz told Fox News Digital.

“We still have a lot to learn about these complex types of bacteria and how our bodies respond to them.”

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Although wheezing can be a sign or symptom of asthma, the doctor noted that this is not always the case.

“It really depends on the frequency and severity of the wheezing, as well as whether there is a family member present. history of allergiesasthma and eczema,” he said. “Some studies have even shown that attending daycare during early childhood was inversely associated with wheezing and asthma.”

To minimize the risk of wheezing and other lung problems in children attending day care, a California doctor recommends that all rooms be kept clean and well-ventilated and that indoor air quality be constantly monitored. (iStock)

To minimize the risk of wheezing and other lung problems in children attending day care, Abelowitz recommended that all rooms be kept clean and well ventilated, and that the interior air quality is constantly monitored.

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Abelowitz reiterated the need for more studies to explore these “complex communities of bacteria” and their potential association with long-term effects. lung problems in children.

He added: “From a pediatrician’s perspective, it is more important to choose child care programs with low child-to-teacher ratios, small group sizes, well-trained staff, a program tailored to age and a safe and supportive environment. »

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