Babies' gut bacteria affected by delivery method

Babies born vaginally have different gut bacteria — their microbiome — than those delivered by caesarean, research has shown. Scientists discovered that whereas vaginally born babies got most of their gut bacteria from their mother, caesarean babies instead had more bacteria associated with hospital environments in their guts. It isn't known if these differences at birth will have any effect on later health.

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Few people with peanut allergy tolerate peanut after stopping oral immunotherapy

Studies have shown that peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) — ingesting small, controlled amounts of peanut protein — can desensitize adults and children and prevent allergic reactions, but the optimal duration and dose is unknown. In a study that followed participants after successful OIT, discontinuing OIT or continuing OIT at a reduced dose led to a decline in its protective effects. The study also found that blood tests administered before OIT could predict the success of therapy.

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