Bacteria-containing dust found at day care centers may increase the risk of asthma in children, according to a new study conducted by the European Respiratory Society. The researchers collected dust samples from 103 day care facilities in Paris, France, and analyzed them in a lab to identify the bacteria present in each sample. They also surveyed the parents of 515 children to assess any respiratory issues experienced by the children.
The study found that one type of bacteria, which included Streptococcus and Lactococcus, was linked to a higher risk of wheezing, a common precursor to asthma in children under the age of 3. The average age of the children in the tested day care centers was 2 years old. Dr. Annabelle Bédard, a researcher at Inserm in Paris, presented the findings at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy.
Dr. Bédard highlighted the importance of investigating indoor air quality in day care centers and understanding the factors that influence the bacterial community. Factors such as cleaning and ventilation practices, as well as indoor air quality, may play a role in preventing chronic respiratory diseases like asthma in children. The researchers plan to continue monitoring the health of the children in the study to determine if they develop asthma as they grow older.
Dr. Steven Abelowitz, founder and medical director of Coastal Kids Pediatrics in California, who reviewed the findings but was not involved in the study, emphasized the need for further research on these complex bacteria types and their effects on the body. He also mentioned that wheezing is not always indicative of asthma and that other factors, such as family history, should be considered.
To minimize the risk of wheezing and other lung issues in children attending day care facilities, Dr. Abelowitz recommended keeping all rooms clean and well-ventilated, and consistently monitoring indoor air quality. More studies are needed to explore the association between bacteria and long-term lung issues in children. From a pediatrician’s perspective, choosing childcare programs with low child-to-teacher ratios, small group sizes, and well-trained staff is essential.
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