The study found newborns born during the pandemic had altered gut microbes due to lockdowns, lowering rates of infection, antibiotic use and increased duration of breastfeeding. These maternal microbes also played a protective role against allergic diseases.
A total of 360 babies were studied by researchers at the University of Cork in Ireland. Fecal samples were analysed at six, 12 and 24 months old and allergy testing was performed at 12 and 24 months. Parents and carers filled in questionnaires about the children’s diet, home environment and health.
The newborns were found to have more of the beneficial microbes acquired after birth from their mother. These maternal microbes could be playing a protective role against allergic diseases.
The findings revealed that just 17 per cent of infants required an antibiotic by age one.
Joint author Professor Jonathan Hourihane, head of the Department of Paediatrics at RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons Ireland) and consultant paediatrician at Children’s Health Ireland Temple Street, said, ‘This study offers a new perspective on the impact of social isolation in early life on the gut microbiome. Notably, the lower allergy rates among newborns during the lockdown could highlight the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors, such as frequent antibiotic use, on the rise of allergic diseases.
‘We hope to re-examine these children when they are five years’ old to see if there are longer term impacts of these interesting changes in early gut microbiome.’
