Researchers may have found a protectant that could be used for an asthma vaccine: "dirty" bacteria.
Following the "hygiene hypothesis," scientists found that some bacteria and fungi that isn't found in modern cities and homes can reduce the risk of developing asthma. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers studied the microbes found in Bavarian children's bedrooms and found that kids living on farms and more bucolic atmospheres were subjected to a greater variety of bacteria and other potential contaminants. But they had a lower risk of developing asthma. And creating a vaccine from the more rural bacteria could help their urban counterparts.
"We have a long way to go before we can present new preventive measures, but at least we now have candidates for the development of a vaccine," said study leader Dr Markus Ege, from the University of Munich in Germany.
- read the Independent article