 |
|
Probiotic bacteria at weaning may help alleviate allergy in infants
June 20, 2002“Friendly” bacteria (probiotics) given to babies during weaning may help alleviate the symptoms of eczema, suggests research in Gut.
The researchers studied 21 infants who already had evidence of atopic (allergic) eczema, and were at heightened risk for chronic allergic disease.
When the babies were weaned onto hydrolysed whey formula feed, eight of them reacted adversely to it. Among the remaining 13, seven were fed the formula supplemented with probiotic bacteria - Bifidobacterium lactis - and six were fed unsupplemented formula. Stool samples were taken from the eight highly reactive babies before weaning, while the rest of the babies provided stool samples before and after weaning.
The eight highly reactive babies had greater numbers of “unfriendly” bacteria in their stool samples than the 13 babies who did not react to the formula feed. But to gauge the allergic response in all the babies, IgE levels were measured.
These directly corresponded to the levels of Escherichia coli, bacteria that can cause infection in this age group, and the numbers of bacteroides species (unfriendly bacteria) in the highly reactive babies.
Although the finding has yet to be verified, the authors suggest that these organisms are implicated in the development of an allergic response, possibly by causing changes in the gut “ecosystem.”
Supplementation of formula feed with probiotic bacteria significantly reduced the numbers of E coli bacteria and prevented an increase in the numbers of bacteroides during weaning. Probiotic supplementation, say the authors, might help alleviate the allergic (inflammatory) response in babies during weaning.
British Medical Journal (BMJ)
The eight highly reactive babies had greater numbers of “unfriendly” bacteria in their stool samples than the 13 babies who did not react to the formula feed. But to gauge the allergic response in all the babies, IgE levels were measured.
These directly corresponded to the levels of Escherichia coli, bacteria that can cause infection in this age group, and the numbers of bacteroides species (unfriendly bacteria) in the highly reactive babies.
Although the finding has yet to be verified, the authors suggest that these organisms are implicated in the development of an allergic response, possibly by causing changes in the gut “ecosystem.”
Supplementation of formula feed with probiotic bacteria significantly reduced the numbers of E coli bacteria and prevented an increase in the numbers of bacteroides during weaning. Probiotic supplementation, say the authors, might help alleviate the allergic (inflammatory) response in babies during weaning.
British Medical Journal (BMJ)
Bacteria Current Events and Bacteria News RSSNovel bioreactor enhances interleukin-12 production in genetically-modified tobacco plants
Interleukin-12 is a naturally occurring protein essential for the proper functioning of the human immune system.
Researchers identify cell group key to Lyme disease arthritis
A research team led by the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology and Albany Medical College has illuminated the important role of natural killer (NK) T cells in Lyme disease, demonstrating that the once little understood white blood cells are central to clearing the bacterial infection and reducing the intensity and duration of arthritis associated with Lyme disease.
Blood tests can help detect presence of necrotizing soft tissue infections
With less than half of patients with necrotizing soft tissue infections displaying the physical signs of these very serious infections, researchers have found two simple blood tests can help physicians diagnose what is commonly known as "flesh-eating bacteria," according to a study in the December issue of The American Journal of Surgery.
Vaccine and drug research aimed at ticks and mosquitoes to prevent disease transmission
Most successful vaccines and drugs rely on protecting humans or animals by blocking certain bacteria from growing in their systems. But, a new theory actually hopes to take stopping infectious diseases such as West Nile virus and Malaria to the next level by disabling insects from transmitting these viruses.
Research in twins defines shared features of the human gut microbial communities: variations linked to obesity
Trillions of microbes make their home in the gut, where they help to break down and extract energy and nutrients from the food we eat. Yet, scientists have understood little about how this distinctive mix of microbes varies from one individual to the next.
Rivers are carbon processors, not inert pipelines
Microorganisms in rivers and streams play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle that has not previously been considered.
Vitamin D found to fight placental infection
In a paper available at the online site of the journal Biology of Reproduction, a team of UCLA researchers reports for the first time that vitamin D induces immune responses in placental tissues by stimulating production of the antimicrobial protein cathelicidin.
CSHL scientists discover a new way in which epigenetic information is inherited
Hereditary information flows from parents to offspring not just through DNA but also through the millions of proteins and other molecules that cling to it.
Researchers identify how binge drinking may drive heart disease
As the holidays arrive, a group of researchers has identified the precise mechanisms by which binge drinking contributes to clogs in arteries that lead to heart attack and stroke, according to a study published today in the journal Atherosclerosis.
Researchers identify new leprosy bacterium
A new species of bacterium that causes leprosy has been identified through intensive genetic analysis of a pair of lethal infections, a research team reports in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Pathology.
More Bacteria Current Events and Bacteria News Articles
 | A Field Guide to Bacteria (Comstock Book) by Betsey Dexter Dyer Pocket-guide to observing bacteria without a laboratory or fancy equipment. Presents all the major taxonomic groups of bacteria in a useable, accessible format for amateur naturalists who may or may not have access to a microscope. Includes ideas for planning field trips to explore bacteria in their natural environments. Illustrated, some color. Softcover, hardcover... |
 | The Killers Within: The Deadly Rise of Drug-Resistant Bacteria by Michael Shnayerson, Mark J. Plotkin A battle is taking place on the frontiers of medicine between rapidly evolving bacteria that threaten our health and the doctors who are struggling to outwit them. These bacteria are everywhere: in and on our bodies, in homes, schools, hospitals, crowded airplaines, day-care centers. And, as THE KILLERS WITHIN makes frighteningly clear, so far the bacteria are... |
 | Bacteria for Breakfast: Probiotics for Good Health by Kelly Dowhower Karpa, PhD, RPh Although in Western society the beneficial aspects of bacteria have been increasingly minimized, we actually need bacteria in our digestive tracts for good health. This resource explains, to laymen and physicians, how probiotics support immune function, prevent urogenital infections, and maintain good gastrintestinal... |
 | Molecular Genetics of Bacteria (Snyder, Molecular Genetics of Bacteria) by Larry Snyder, Wendy Champness This landmark volume provides the single most comprehensive and authoritative textbook on bacterial molecular genetics. Perfect for advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses, the text presents the latest research on the subject in a clearly written and well-illustrated style. It provides descriptive background information, detailed experimental methods, examples of genetic analyses, and... |
 | Prentice Hall Science Explorer: From Bacteria to Plants by Michael J. Padilla, Ioannis Miaoulis, Martha Cyr |
 | Science Explorer from Bacteria to Plants (Prentice Hall science explorer) |
 | Respiration in Archaea and Bacteria: Diversity of Prokaryotic Respiratory Systems (Advances in Photosynthesis and Respiration) The book summarizes the achievements of the past decade in the biochemistry, bioenergetics, structural and molecular biology of respiratory processes in selected genera of the domain Bacteria along with an extensive coverage of the redox chains of extremophiles belonging to the Archaean domain. The volume is a unique piece of work since it contains a series of chapters dealing with metabolic... |
 | The Five-Second Rule and Other Myths About Germs: What Everyone Should Know About Bacteria, Viruses, Mold, and Mildew by Anne E. Maczulak |
 | Why Size Matters: From Bacteria to Blue Whales by John Tyler Bonner John Tyler Bonner, one of our most distinguished and creative biologists, here offers a completely new perspective on the role of size in biology. In his hallmark friendly style, he explores the universal impact of being the right size. By examining stories ranging from Alice in Wonderland to Gulliver's Travels, he shows that humans have always been fascinated by things big and small. Why then... |
 | Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria (Storey Medicinal Herb Guide) by Stephen Harrod Buhner Current information about antibiotic resistant microbes and the herbs that are effective in fighting... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |