Microbiome differences linked to higher allergy rates in Chinese-Australian children

A study published in the World Allergy Organization Journal has identified significant differences in allergy rates between children of Han Chinese descent living in Australia and China. Researchers led by Jing Guo compared 58 Chinese-Australian children in Perth with 63 Chinese children in Hebi, Henan Province.

Despite sharing similar genetic ancestry and early-life factors such as birth methods and antibiotic use, the Australian group showed much higher rates of health issues. Atopy was recorded in 62.1 percent of the Australian children compared to 12.7 percent in the Chinese group. Food allergies were found in 25.9 percent of the Australian children versus 7.9 percent in China, while wheezing was over eight times more frequent in the Australian cohort.

The study suggests that differences in the microbiome may play a key role. Throat and stool samples from the Australian children showed lower bacterial community diversity than those from the Chinese children, a pattern researchers attribute to the influence of Western environments and lifestyles.