Association of gut microbiota and environment in children with AD, comparison of three cohorts of children

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common diseases in pediatric patients, with over 12.5% of US children diagnosed with the condition. Previous studies have shown that the impaired skin barrier caused by AD leads to the development of other atopic conditions later in life. The rate of AD among black children in Africa is similar to reported rates among African Americans (AA), while the rate of other atopic diseases such as asthma and food allergy (FA) in black children living in African countries are lower compared to most western populations. The lower rate of asthma and FA, despite similar AD rates among rural African children, calls into question the critical role environment plays in protection against the progression of the atopic march. Previous evidence suggests gut microbiota differences are linked to the initiation and progression of atopic diseases. It is possible that changes in the environment including diet, exposure to microbes, and lifestyle factors result in alteration in the gut microbiome and contribute to the risk of atopic diseases. In certain African countries, many individuals still live in completely natural settings. Studying these populations provides the opportunity to evaluate the protective role of environment and lifestyle on gut microbiota and atopic diseases.