Residential microbial diversity and the development of the immune and neurological systems. Epidemiological studies in children

The range of microbial diversity in indoor dust is proposed as an explanatory mechanism for the development of allergies and may influence the neuropsychological development (ND). Microbial diversity may be determined by the landscape (residential, industrial, agricultural, forest, parks...) and explain the inconsistencies reported in the relationship between green spaces and allergies. In this project, I will evaluate the association of microbial diversity with immunological and ND up to the age of 4 years, accounting for the characteristics of the residential landscape. The study includes children involved in the Belgian ongoing ENVIRONAGE birth cohort (n=900). Indoor and outdoor settled dust samples are collected from homes at age 3 months and 4 years and will be analyzed for microbial diversity (characterization of bacteria and fungi). The characteristics of the residential landscape will be determined from land use. Health outcomes (allergy and ND) are measured at birth, in the first year of life and at age 4 years. Allergic symptoms and other potential confounders are parentally reported through questionnaires at birth and/or the age of 4 years. Finally, ENVIRONAGE data will be combined with other European birth cohorts (LUKAS in Finland and INMA in Spain). This project aims to unravel the existing uncertainties about the effects of early life exposure to microbial agents and the surrounding landscape on the development of the immune and neurological systems.