Search
What are you looking for?
Start main content

Press Releases

Press Releases

https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cuhk-study-finds-vigorous-disinfection-linked-to-increased-risk-of-eczema-and-atopic-diseases
https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cuhk-study-finds-vigorous-disinfection-linked-to-increased-risk-of-eczema-and-atopic-diseases

CUHK study finds vigorous disinfection linked to increased risk of eczema and atopic diseases

Research team members

CU Medicine study finds a 46% increase in the incidence of allergy in toddlers born in Hong Kong during the pandemic when compared to before the pandemic.  By sequencing infant stool samples, researchers also found that beneficial bacteria associated with immunity decreased in the gut of babies born during the pandemic than before the pandemic. The study shows that excessive cleaning hinders the development of a healthy gut microbiome in infants and likely increases the risk of atopic diseases including eczema. (From left) Professor Francis KL Chan, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics at CU Medicine, Director of the Centre for Gut Microbiota Research and Co-Director of Microbiota I-Center (MagIC); Professor Leung Ting-fan, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation Professor of Paediatrics at CU Medicine; Professor Siew NgCroucher Professor in Medical Sciences at CU Medicine, Director of MagIC and New Cornerstone Investigator; and Professor Zhang Lin, Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at CU Medicine and Lead Scientist at MagIC.

International studies have reported that cases of eczema and other allergy diseases in infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly increased. This observation can be explained by the “hygiene hypothesis”, which suggest that a lack of early childhood exposure to particular microorganisms impairs the development of the immune system,  increasing the risk of atopic and immune diseases.

 

A gut microbiome research team from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) conducted a large-scale study to explore the burden of eczema in Hong Kong and its underlying causes. By analysing data from 1,152 children, they found a 46% increase in the incidence of allergy in toddlers born in Hong Kong during the pandemic when compared to before the pandemic.  By sequencing 700 infant stool samples, researchers also found that beneficial bacteria associated with immunity decreased in the gut of babies born during the pandemic than before the pandemic.

 

The gut-skin axis: the interrelationship between the gut microbiome and skin conditions

 

In recent years, a number of studies have highlighted the close relationship between gut dysbiosis and a variety of skin conditions including but not limited to eczema, acne, urticaria, psoriasis and hair loss. Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system. The interrelationship between gut microbes and skin conditions is known as the “gut-skin axis”. The environment that infants and young children are exposed to affects the formation of their gut microbiota. Although a clean environment lowers the risk of bacterial infections, it limits the functioning of bacteria in promoting a healthy immune system. Overuse of antibiotics further reduces beneficial bacteria in the gut. The research team anticipated that gut dysbiosis in babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic was worsened by increased hygiene and sanitation, potentially leading to more atopic diseases as a result of a dysregulated immune system. 

 

Incidence of allergy 46% higher in infants born during COVID-19 pandemic

 

To assess the impact of increased hygiene standards during the pandemic on the gut microbiome and adverse health effects, the CU Medicine research team analysed data from a prospective, longitudinal birth cohort MOMmy (MOther-infant Microbiota transmission and its link to long terM health of babY), to compare the gut microbiome of infants born before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the incidence of allergy in early life. 

 

Results showed a 46% increase in the incidence of allergy in infants born during the pandemic. The gut microbiome diversity and richness were reduced during COVID pandemic. There was significantly fewer antimicrobial peptide resistance genes in their gut which were crucial for building immunity. The findings have been published in a leading microbiome journal Gut Microbes.

 

Professor Zhang Lin, Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at CU Medicine and Lead Scientist at the Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), said: “Our study showed that excessive cleaning hinders the development of a healthy gut microbiome in infants and likely increases the risk of atopic diseases including eczema. We call on parents to review their daily sanitation habits. They should avoid overcorrection, and allow their children to be exposed to different environment, enhancing the abundance and diversity of microbiota in the gut that could be associated with a reduced risk of allergies in the future.”

 

CUHK-developed oral microencapsulated live bacteria preparations, SIM03 and SIM05, improve eczema severity in children and adults, respectively

 

The CU Medicine research team utilised metagenomics and machine-learning to develop two unique oral live microbiome preparation, SIM03 and SIM05, which targets children and adult with eczema, respectively. These microbiome formulas were developed using microencapsulation technology to encapsulate individual bacteria for better colonization in the gut.

 

Two separate pilot studies of children and adults suffering from moderate to severe eczema showed that the severity of eczema, quality of life and sleep quality improved after 12 weeks of treatment. They also found increased in 23 types of beneficial bacteria in the gut based on metagenomic sequencing. Details of the study have been published in Scientific Reports, a publication of the Nature group. 

 

Professor Leung Ting-fan, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation Professor of Paediatrics from CU Medicine, said: “The number of new cases of  eczema in children has increased substantially after the COVID-19 pandemic and we believe this is closely linked to changes in hygiene and sanitation habits. Regulating microbiota in the gut present a novel and effective way to improve eczema in children and adults.”

 

Professor Siew Ng, Croucher Professor in Medical Sciences at CU Medicine, Director of MagIC and New Cornerstone Investigator, said: “The gut microbiome is considered one of the largest organs in the human body and altered microbiome composition can contribute to allergies and atopic dermatitis known to affect over 200 million people worldwide. We need rigorous scientific data, robust clinical studies and new approaches to treat these conditions and modulating the gut microbiome represents a promising and safe avenue.”

 

The research was supported by the InnoHK Programme of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

 

Eczema patient

Venus says her eczema condition went uncontrollable in last November due to pressure from work and a change in diet and sleep habits. Her skin was dry and itchy that she could not help scratching. The wounds were draining pus and blood. Her legs swelled two to three times larger than her size which made her difficult to walk. She sought a variety of ways to treat her condition “inside-out”, including Chinese medicine, change of diet and rest habits and taking the CUHK-developed microbiome formula. Her skin condition started to improve 2-3 weeks after the treatments.

Eczema patient showing her condition

Eczema severity can be evaluated through redness, thickness, degree of dryness, wound and pus. The eczema condition of Venus’ forearm was rated 10 (very severe) in her worst time (shown in the picture circled in yellow) and has improved to 2 with only slightly red and dry skin.   

More Press Releases

CU Medicine’s large-scale mother-baby study finds altered gut microbiome  in pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus affects infants’ neurodevelopment

CU Medicine’s large-scale mother-baby study finds altered gut microbiome in pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus affects infants’ neurodevelopment

Research
CUHK identifies novel gut microbiome biomarkers to facilitate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders  Pilot clinical study shows modulation of gut microbiome alleviates anxiety symptoms

CUHK identifies novel gut microbiome biomarkers to facilitate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders Pilot clinical study shows modulation of gut microbiome alleviates anxiety symptoms

Research
A randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial by CU Medicine shows that modulation of gut microbiome using oral microencapsulated live bacteria (SIM01) improves long COVID symptoms

A randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial by CU Medicine shows that modulation of gut microbiome using oral microencapsulated live bacteria (SIM01) improves long COVID symptoms

Research
CUHK Develops a Novel Faecal Test that can Detect Polyps and Early Colon Cancers  with Sensitivity Over 90%

CUHK Develops a Novel Faecal Test that can Detect Polyps and Early Colon Cancers with Sensitivity Over 90%

Research
CU Medicine Study Shows Modulation of Gut Microbiota  Helps Enhance Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccine

CU Medicine Study Shows Modulation of Gut Microbiota Helps Enhance Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccine

Research
CU Medicine Finds New Evidence for Link between Gut Microbiome and COVID-19 Severity Microbiome Imbalance Might Influence “Long COVID” Risk

CU Medicine Finds New Evidence for Link between Gut Microbiome and COVID-19 Severity Microbiome Imbalance Might Influence “Long COVID” Risk

Research
40% of Hong Kong People Show Gut Dysbiosis Comparable to that of COVID-19 Patients CUHK Microbiome Immunity Formula Hastens Recovery of COVID-19 Patients and Offers Hope to Boost Immunity

40% of Hong Kong People Show Gut Dysbiosis Comparable to that of COVID-19 Patients CUHK Microbiome Immunity Formula Hastens Recovery of COVID-19 Patients and Offers Hope to Boost Immunity

Research
CU Medicine Develops a Probiotic Formula to Target Imbalance in Gut Microbiota in COVID-19

CU Medicine Develops a Probiotic Formula to Target Imbalance in Gut Microbiota in COVID-19

Research
The Helmsley Charitable Trust Funds Asian Research into Babies’ Gut Microbiota and Crohn’s Disease

The Helmsley Charitable Trust Funds Asian Research into Babies’ Gut Microbiota and Crohn’s Disease

Research
CUHK study shows short-chain fatty acids produced by probiotic bacteria in the gut can boost immunity against influenza and other viral infections

CUHK study shows short-chain fatty acids produced by probiotic bacteria in the gut can boost immunity against influenza and other viral infections

Research
CU Medicine invents a non-invasive technology for people with uninvestigated bowel symptoms

CU Medicine invents a non-invasive technology for people with uninvestigated bowel symptoms

Research
Two CU Medicine scholars are elected as Foreign Members of the Academia Europaea

Two CU Medicine scholars are elected as Foreign Members of the Academia Europaea

Awards and honors
CUHK proves its self-developed oral microencapsulated live bacteria formula SIM03 improves disease severity and quality of life in children with eczema

CUHK proves its self-developed oral microencapsulated live bacteria formula SIM03 improves disease severity and quality of life in children with eczema

Research
CU Medicine leads new clinical practice guidelines on use of non-invasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer screening with international experts

CU Medicine leads new clinical practice guidelines on use of non-invasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer screening with international experts

Research
CU Medicine’s population-based long COVID-19 survey estimates that over 400,000 recovered COVID-19 patients suffer from sexual dysfunction and reproductive problems

CU Medicine’s population-based long COVID-19 survey estimates that over 400,000 recovered COVID-19 patients suffer from sexual dysfunction and reproductive problems

Research
CUHK conducts interdisciplinary study on gut microbiota in pregnancy to reduce risk of inflammatory bowel disease in babies

CUHK conducts interdisciplinary study on gut microbiota in pregnancy to reduce risk of inflammatory bowel disease in babies

Research
CU Medicine supported by the Hospital Authority to launch HK’s first large-scale Long COVID survey, aiming to inform the government on impact of long COVID on healthcare services

CU Medicine supported by the Hospital Authority to launch HK’s first large-scale Long COVID survey, aiming to inform the government on impact of long COVID on healthcare services

Research
CU Medicine Receives USD 2 Million from The Helmsley Charitable Trust to Partner with University of Calgary to Create a Global Repository on the Epidemiology of Crohn's Disease

CU Medicine Receives USD 2 Million from The Helmsley Charitable Trust to Partner with University of Calgary to Create a Global Repository on the Epidemiology of Crohn's Disease

Research
CU Medicine Found SARS-CoV2 in Infants' Stool A Coronavirus Testing Centre Is Established for Paediatric Population to Identify Silent Carriers

CU Medicine Found SARS-CoV2 in Infants' Stool A Coronavirus Testing Centre Is Established for Paediatric Population to Identify Silent Carriers

Research
CUHK Establishes Asia’s First Microbiota Transplantation and Research Centre Hope for New Strategies in Disease Prevention and Cure

CUHK Establishes Asia’s First Microbiota Transplantation and Research Centre Hope for New Strategies in Disease Prevention and Cure

Research
CUHK Announces World’s First Systematic Review of the Global Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in the 21st Century Reveals Surge in Hong Kong in past 30 years

CUHK Announces World’s First Systematic Review of the Global Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in the 21st Century Reveals Surge in Hong Kong in past 30 years

Research
CU Medicine develops the Metagenome-Assembled Genome Inventory for Children (MAGIC) to promote early-life microbiome research

CU Medicine develops the Metagenome-Assembled Genome Inventory for Children (MAGIC) to promote early-life microbiome research

Research
Professor Francis Chan receives Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award

Professor Francis Chan receives Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award

Awards and honors
CUHK study reveals microbiota modulation is effective in alleviating insomnia

CUHK study reveals microbiota modulation is effective in alleviating insomnia

Research
CUHK Professor Siew Ng is the first female clinician-scientist in mainland China selected as a New Cornerstone Investigator; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory inaugurated to dissect diet-microbiome interactions to improve human health

CUHK Professor Siew Ng is the first female clinician-scientist in mainland China selected as a New Cornerstone Investigator; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory inaugurated to dissect diet-microbiome interactions to improve human health

Awards and honors
CU Medicine study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases concludes that a novel oral microencapsulated live bacteria consortia (SIM01) alleviates long COVID symptoms

CU Medicine study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases concludes that a novel oral microencapsulated live bacteria consortia (SIM01) alleviates long COVID symptoms

Research
CU Medicine develops novel microbiome technology MOZAIC for faecal microbiota transplantation; Enhancing treatment success for Clostridioides difficile infections to over 90%

CU Medicine develops novel microbiome technology MOZAIC for faecal microbiota transplantation; Enhancing treatment success for Clostridioides difficile infections to over 90%

Research
CUHK Professor Siew Ng becomes the first clinician-scientist in Hong Kong  to be selected as a New Cornerstone Investigator

CUHK Professor Siew Ng becomes the first clinician-scientist in Hong Kong to be selected as a New Cornerstone Investigator

Awards and honors
CU Medicine discovers gut microbiome and metabolome markers that predict long-term COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness

CU Medicine discovers gut microbiome and metabolome markers that predict long-term COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness

Research
CUHK receives HK$30 million donation from Mr Li Ka-shing to further enhance artificial intelligence in medical education

CUHK receives HK$30 million donation from Mr Li Ka-shing to further enhance artificial intelligence in medical education

Donation
CU Medicine establishes an internationally accredited biobank:  A prerequisite for Hong Kong to be the hub for new drug development in the Greater Bay Area

CU Medicine establishes an internationally accredited biobank: A prerequisite for Hong Kong to be the hub for new drug development in the Greater Bay Area

Milestone
CUHK discovers the occurrence of gut microbiome dysbiosis at the prodromal stages of Parkinson’s disease Gives novel insights into neurodegenerative prevention, intervention and diagnosis

CUHK discovers the occurrence of gut microbiome dysbiosis at the prodromal stages of Parkinson’s disease Gives novel insights into neurodegenerative prevention, intervention and diagnosis

Research
Inaugural Croucher Professorship in Medical Sciences lecture by Professor Siew Ng:   A Magical Pursuit

Inaugural Croucher Professorship in Medical Sciences lecture by Professor Siew Ng: A Magical Pursuit

Awards and honors
CU Medicine, MagIC and HKSTP join hands to organise the Microbiome Summit 2023 “Hong Kong as a regional hub for microbiome industry”

CU Medicine, MagIC and HKSTP join hands to organise the Microbiome Summit 2023 “Hong Kong as a regional hub for microbiome industry”

Symposium
Large-scale clinical study shows CU Medicine (SIM01) microbiome formula reduces risk of infections including COVID-19

Large-scale clinical study shows CU Medicine (SIM01) microbiome formula reduces risk of infections including COVID-19

Research
中大醫學院就行政長官今日(10月19日)發表2022施政報告的回應 (Chinese Version Only)

中大醫學院就行政長官今日(10月19日)發表2022施政報告的回應 (Chinese Version Only)

Response
CUHK receives HK$150 million donation from Li Ka Shing Foundation in support of research and development of biomedical technologies

CUHK receives HK$150 million donation from Li Ka Shing Foundation in support of research and development of biomedical technologies

Donation
CUHK researchers discover distinct gut microbial signatures for prediction, diagnosis and treatment of long COVID

CUHK researchers discover distinct gut microbial signatures for prediction, diagnosis and treatment of long COVID

Research
中大醫學院就2022-23財政預算案的回應 (Chinese Version Only)

中大醫學院就2022-23財政預算案的回應 (Chinese Version Only)

Response
Joint CUHK-HKU study discovers efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines correlates with a probiotic bacterium, Bifidobacterium adolescentis

Joint CUHK-HKU study discovers efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines correlates with a probiotic bacterium, Bifidobacterium adolescentis

Research
Clarification -- 中大醫學院澄清啟事 (Chinese Version Only)

Clarification -- 中大醫學院澄清啟事 (Chinese Version Only)

Response
CUHK Discovers Children with Autism Have Delayed Gut Microbiome Maturity and  Identifies Faecal Bacterial Markers for Autism

CUHK Discovers Children with Autism Have Delayed Gut Microbiome Maturity and Identifies Faecal Bacterial Markers for Autism

Research
CU Medicine Study Suggests Toddlers are at High Risk of Being  “Silent Spreaders of SARS-CoV2 Infection”

CU Medicine Study Suggests Toddlers are at High Risk of Being “Silent Spreaders of SARS-CoV2 Infection”

Research
CU Medicine Offers Free Stool Screening Test for COVID-19 in Children arriving at Airport

CU Medicine Offers Free Stool Screening Test for COVID-19 in Children arriving at Airport

Clinical service
CUHK Finds that the Coronavirus Can Persist in Stool after Its Clearance in Respiratory Tract Will Conduct Stool Test for People in Quarantine Camps for Early Identification

CUHK Finds that the Coronavirus Can Persist in Stool after Its Clearance in Respiratory Tract Will Conduct Stool Test for People in Quarantine Camps for Early Identification

Research
Two CUHK Scholars from the Faculty of Medicine Receive Croucher Senior Medical Research Fellowships

Two CUHK Scholars from the Faculty of Medicine Receive Croucher Senior Medical Research Fellowships

Awards and honors
CUHK Establishes Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence (HK HOPE) Multidisciplinary Efforts Across the Globe to Advance Children’s Health and Well-being

CUHK Establishes Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence (HK HOPE) Multidisciplinary Efforts Across the Globe to Advance Children’s Health and Well-being

Health Campaign
Professor Francis CHAN as the First Chinese Honoured with the American College of Gastroenterology International Leadership Award 2018

Professor Francis CHAN as the First Chinese Honoured with the American College of Gastroenterology International Leadership Award 2018

Awards and honors
CUHK Pioneers in Introducing Museum-Based Observational Skills into Medical Education

CUHK Pioneers in Introducing Museum-Based Observational Skills into Medical Education

Education
CUHK Announces World’s First Meta-analysis on Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection

CUHK Announces World’s First Meta-analysis on Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Research
CUHK Collaborates with Australian Experts to Untangle Mystery of Eastern Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gut Microbiota

CUHK Collaborates with Australian Experts to Untangle Mystery of Eastern Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gut Microbiota

Research
CUHK World’s First Study Sets a New Direction on Aspirin Use after Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

CUHK World’s First Study Sets a New Direction on Aspirin Use after Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Research
CUHK World’s First Study Confirms A New Colorectal Cancer High Risk Group

CUHK World’s First Study Confirms A New Colorectal Cancer High Risk Group

Research
CUHK Latest Research Reveals FMT Effectiveness Triples that of Conventional Treatment

CUHK Latest Research Reveals FMT Effectiveness Triples that of Conventional Treatment

Research
Hong Kong and Macau Among Top Three Regions in Asia-Pacific with the Highest Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease CUHK Establishes Registry to Increase Public Awareness

Hong Kong and Macau Among Top Three Regions in Asia-Pacific with the Highest Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease CUHK Establishes Registry to Increase Public Awareness

Research
CUHK discovers that 40% of Individuals at Risk of Coronary Heart Disease have Pre-cancerous Bowel Tumors

CUHK discovers that 40% of Individuals at Risk of Coronary Heart Disease have Pre-cancerous Bowel Tumors

Research
Bowel Cancer Will Become Top Cancer in Hong Kong CUHK Introduces Colon Pill Camera to Prevent Bowel Cancer

Bowel Cancer Will Become Top Cancer in Hong Kong CUHK Introduces Colon Pill Camera to Prevent Bowel Cancer

Surgical advancement
CUHK Discovers Up to 30% of Asymptomatic Subjects in Hong Kong Suffered from Pre-cancerous Bowel Tumors

CUHK Discovers Up to 30% of Asymptomatic Subjects in Hong Kong Suffered from Pre-cancerous Bowel Tumors

Research
CUHK Introduces Double Balloon Enteroscopy Service to Manage Small Bowel Diseases

CUHK Introduces Double Balloon Enteroscopy Service to Manage Small Bowel Diseases

Clinical service
Predicting Your Colorectal-polyp Risk with CUHK Colorectal-polyp Prediction Index (CU-CPI)

Predicting Your Colorectal-polyp Risk with CUHK Colorectal-polyp Prediction Index (CU-CPI)

Clinical service

Our Expert List

Many experts under the Faculty of Medicine are available for media interview.
Please click here for the expert list or contact us.