The early use of antibiotics may contribute to the risk of atopy

The early use of antibiotics seems to contribute to an increased risk of atopy in some children, suggests a study published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology."

According to the theory hygienist, early exposure to infections reduce the risk of allergies and asthma. But changes in lifestyle and medical advances have altered children's exposure to infections, explained Christine Cole Johnson and his colleagues at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

To assess the impact of antibiotics especially during early childhood on the risk of atopy, they conducted a prospective study of a cohort of 725 children born between 1987 and 1989, analyzing the requirements, in the six first month, contained in their medical records.

At the age of 6-7 years, 448 of them have undergone examinations, including skin prick tests and IgE measurements for the main allergens. Atopy is then defined by a positive skin prick test and the sero-positive for atopy to measure IgE, regardless of the allergen.

Analysis of the results indicates that, overall, the use of antibiotics in the first six months of life the child does not significantly increase the risk of atopy.

A significant impact, however, is observed for children with less than two pets, antibiotics in early childhood increase by 73% the risk of atopy, and those who were breastfed for at least four months, the risk being then tripled. For children being found in the two groups at a time, the risk of atopy is almost quadrupled.

However, no group of children in particular are at increased sero-atopy in connection with the use of antibiotics in the first six months of life risk.

The combined risk of atopy and atopic serum is significant in children, both were breastfed for at least four months and less than two animals (risk almost tripled).

These results suggest that the use of antibiotics in early childhood is a risk factor for atopy in some children. These drugs probably exert a "significant effect on the immune system", increasing the risk for atopy favorable conditions.

The researchers do not recommend for all physicians not to use antibiotics because they retain their usefulness. However, they believe that these data support the current campaigns, towards both prescribers and the public, to prevent inappropriate use of these drugs.