Early infection protects against allergies

New research carried out on a group of children followed from birth to five years indicates that infection with the common Epstein-Barr virus before the age of two helps protect children against allergic sensitisation, reducing their likelihood of developing food allergies, hay fever and asthma.

The study found the earlier an individual is infected with the virus, the better. It appears contracting the virus after the age of two is related to a greater risk of allergic sensitisation when the children reached five years old.

The Epstein-Barr virus is a common herpes virus that is carried by most people, and usually spread by saliva. Parents would not normally notice when their child had become infected.

Reference: Hedengren, S. S. Dissertation: Microbial and maternal influences on allergic sensitization during childhood, defining a role for monocytes. Presented at the Division of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Sweden.