Babies infected at birth with a common sexually transmitted bacterium Ureaplasma urealyticum , are more likely to develop asthma in later life. More than 50 per cent women in western countries are found to be asthmatic. Rita DeLollis at the Winchester and Lawrence Hospital, Massachusetts, USA, screened throats of 132 wheezing children up to age 3. Nearly one third of the children were found to carry the bacterium. She suggests that proper treatment of the infection during first 12 months of life could help kids ward-off asthma at later stage. Parents could also be treated before childbirth to eliminate the bacterium from their body ( New Scientist , Vol 156, No 2103).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.