An Exploratory Birth Cohort Study on the Relationship of Early-Life Gut Microbiome and Lifestyle Factors in the Development of Eczema in Hong Kong Infants

Abstract

Background: Childhood eczema is common but the prevalence is variable in different regions of the world. Therefore, identification of risk factors of eczema in specific region is important to prevent its occurrence. In this study, we aim to explore the association of various risk factors like microbiome, environment, lifestyle, diet and maternal stress, and the development of eczema in early-life of infants in Hong Kong Methods: At enrolment, the infants’ parents provided demographic data by self-reporting. At enrolment and at one year after birth, the allergy condition and lifestyle of the infants were assessed by the modified parent proxy version of the Comprehensive Early Childhood Allergy Questionnaire. The dietary factors were assessed by the eating-habit module of the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System. Maternal stress was assessed by 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. Infants’ gut microbiome was analysed by 16S RNA sequencing and the longitudinal change of various bacterial strains was compared between healthy and eczema group. Findings: In univariate analysis, it was shown that the mode of delivery, abundance change in Clostridia and Hungatella hathewayi were significantly different between healthy and eczema group. Multivariate analysis, after adjustment for other significant factors, further revealed that the abundance change of Hungatella hathewayi in the gut (p=0.005) were associated with the development of eczema in this study. Interpretation: Increased change in abundance of Hungatella hathewayi were associated with increased risk of eczema development in the infants at one year of age. This study explored the potential risk factors for eczema development in the infants in Hong Kong and sheds light on the possible association between early-life gut microbiome and other environmental factors. Trial Registration: This study was registered on the ISRCTN Registry with reference number ISRCTN44080054. Funding Statement: This study was supported by Department Funding from The Nethersole School of Nursing in The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Declaration of Interests: None. Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocol was approved by the Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong – New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee with reference number 2016.321. Written informed consent were obtained from the participants’ parents prior to data collection.