Salmonella Infection Reduces Occurence of Asthma in Mice

Researchers from Germany have discovered the mechanism by which salmonella infection lowers the occurrence of asthma in mice.

The study provided by the American society for Microbiology shows that salmonella infection is  associated with a reduction in airway inflammation in mice.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that affect the intestinal tract and cause food poisoning. The symptoms of this infection last for 4-5 days. But at times it can lead to serious illness in infants, older adults and those with chronic diseases. It infects the humans through contaminated food and water.

In the recent years, the rate of allergies has soared. The hygiene hypothesis says that the rise of certain diseases such as asthma and diabetes is linked with Western countries' obsession with cleanliness. According to many researchers, our squeaky-clean lives have led to a poorly developed immune system, Nature World News reports. 

Studies conducted earlier had said that the rate of asthma was lower in kids who have been infected with salmonella.

The present study led Venkateshwaran Ganesh, found that the reduction in inflammation was linked with lower production of an inflammatory compound called interleukin-4, which is produced by T-helper-2 cells.

The researchers noticed that the rise in the production of a particular type of 'myeloid' immune cells was linked with T helper-2 cells producing less interleukin-4. Myeloid cells consist of various immune cells and they are derived from the bone marrow, Ganesh explains.

The study could lead to the use commensal bacteria that resemble Salmonella as probiotics and the use of myeloid cells as therapeutics.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma affects the lungs cause breathlessness and wheezing. There as nearly 28 million U.S. people suffering from asthma of which 7.1 million are children.

The study was reported in the journal Infection and Immunity.