Abstract:Background: Synergistic role of exposure to cats, dogs, and farm animals during infancy on the risk of childhood asthma and allergy remains unknown.
Objectives:To investigate independent and synergistic associations between exposure to indoor pets and farm animals during infancy and the risk of asthma and allergy by age 5. Methods: We studied 3781 children participating in the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) Nutrition Study. At age 5, a validated version of the International Study of A… Show more
“…Significantly less absenteeism from school through sickness among children who live with pets has also been reported [13]. Having a dog or cat in the house during the first year of life may protect against childhood asthma and allergy [45,46].…”
Section: Positive Aspects Of Companion Animals For Humansmentioning
Over time the human–animal bond has been changed. For instance, the role of pets has changed from work animals (protecting houses, catching mice) to animals with a social function, giving companionship. Pets can be important for the physical and mental health of their owners but may also transmit zoonotic infections. The One Health initiative is a worldwide strategy for expanding collaborations in all aspects of health care for humans, animals, and the environment. However, in One Health communications the role of particularly dogs and cats is often underestimated. Objective: Evaluation of positive and negative One Health issues of the human–companion animal relationship with a focus on zoonotic aspects of cats and dogs in industrialized countries. Method: Literature review. Results: Pets undoubtedly have a positive effect on human health, while owners are increasing aware of pet’s health and welfare. The changing attitude of humans with regard to pets and their environment can also lead to negative effects such as changes in feeding practices, extreme breeding, and behavioral problems, and anthropozoonoses. For the human, there may be a higher risk of the transmission of zoonotic infections due to trends such as sleeping with pets, allowing pets to lick the face or wounds, bite accidents, keeping exotic animals, the importation of rescue dogs, and soil contact. Conclusions: One Health issues need frequently re-evaluated as the close human–animal relationship with pet animals can totally differ compared to decennia ago. Because of the changed human–companion animal bond, recommendations regarding responsible pet-ownership, including normal hygienic practices, responsible breeding, feeding, housing, and mental and physical challenges conforming the biology of the animal are required. Education can be performed by vets and physicians as part of the One Health concept.
“…Significantly less absenteeism from school through sickness among children who live with pets has also been reported [13]. Having a dog or cat in the house during the first year of life may protect against childhood asthma and allergy [45,46].…”
Section: Positive Aspects Of Companion Animals For Humansmentioning
Over time the human–animal bond has been changed. For instance, the role of pets has changed from work animals (protecting houses, catching mice) to animals with a social function, giving companionship. Pets can be important for the physical and mental health of their owners but may also transmit zoonotic infections. The One Health initiative is a worldwide strategy for expanding collaborations in all aspects of health care for humans, animals, and the environment. However, in One Health communications the role of particularly dogs and cats is often underestimated. Objective: Evaluation of positive and negative One Health issues of the human–companion animal relationship with a focus on zoonotic aspects of cats and dogs in industrialized countries. Method: Literature review. Results: Pets undoubtedly have a positive effect on human health, while owners are increasing aware of pet’s health and welfare. The changing attitude of humans with regard to pets and their environment can also lead to negative effects such as changes in feeding practices, extreme breeding, and behavioral problems, and anthropozoonoses. For the human, there may be a higher risk of the transmission of zoonotic infections due to trends such as sleeping with pets, allowing pets to lick the face or wounds, bite accidents, keeping exotic animals, the importation of rescue dogs, and soil contact. Conclusions: One Health issues need frequently re-evaluated as the close human–animal relationship with pet animals can totally differ compared to decennia ago. Because of the changed human–companion animal bond, recommendations regarding responsible pet-ownership, including normal hygienic practices, responsible breeding, feeding, housing, and mental and physical challenges conforming the biology of the animal are required. Education can be performed by vets and physicians as part of the One Health concept.
“…Only in farm children did genetic information contribute significantly to the prediction model, while environmental exposure did not add to prediction models in this group of children. They conclude by stating that “the potential of genome‐wide data for the prediction of polygenic diseases might have been overrated, whereas the power of the environment merits a second look.” While the farming environment provides a most interesting natural environment for such studies, 13 recent studies have also explored environmental factors in relation to various socioeconomic regions for the development of allergies 14,15 (Figure 2). …”
Risk factors for bronchiolitis and asthma, and COVID-19 symptoms in young children This issue opens with two educational articles destined to update the readers on current drug allergy and food allergy issues. In the first review article, Marina Atanaskovic Markovic, PAI Associate Editor for drug allergies, addresses key issues in this area. 1 In particular, she examines the overdiagnosis of beta-lactam allergy in
“…The second study highlighted in this issue is by Vincent Ojwang and colleagues, who investigated a much-debated subject, that is, the protective effect of cats and dogs, as well as farm animals, in the later development of allergic diseases. 10 They studied data from a prospective population-based Finnish birth cohort study on diabetes development. Close to 4000 children were followed at 5 years of age, to analyze associations between exposure to indoor pets and farm animals during infancy and the risk of asthma and allergy.…”
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confidence: 99%
“…The second study highlighted in this issue is by Vincent Ojwang and colleagues, who investigated a much‐debated subject, that is, the protective effect of cats and dogs, as well as farm animals, in the later development of allergic diseases . They studied data from a prospective population‐based Finnish birth cohort study on diabetes development.…”
Early optimal management of asthma is a significant factor in the long-term outcome of children with poorly controlled asthma. The review article opening this issue of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology written by Hamelmann et al addresses this burning issue and discusses the optimal use of biomarkers and lung function testing for the long-term follow-up of these children. 1 In particular, the authors emphasize that determinants of reduced lung function and COPD are found in early life, and should foster better control of childhood asthma. Indeed, adequate asthma control reduces the risk of severe asthma attacks in children and offers the best practice for prevention of later loss of lung function.
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