Atopic dermatitis and food sensitization in South African toddlers; role of fiber and gut microbiota

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common childhood disorder with a complex pathogenesis. AD in children is commonly associated with increased sensitization to food allergens. The incidence of AD and food allergy has been increasing in recent decades and has been linked to greater hygiene and to changes in the environment that may alter the gut microbiome. A majority of current studies on the microbiome in AD and food sensitization is done on western populations. Studying African patients with a relatively lower incidence of food allergy could provide important clues about the protective effect of the environment on AD and food sensitization.