Pandemic babies have a 46 percent higher risk of atopic diseases | Multidisciplinary

The incidence of atopic diseases in infants born in Hong Kong has increased by 46 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially linked to altered neonatal microbiome diversity resulting from vigorous disinfection. SIM03 and SIM05, symbiotic formulae developed with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI), are shown to improve eczema severity and quality of life (QoL) in children and adults, respectively, by modulating gut microbiota.

Microbiome hypothesis

An observational study in Ireland revealed that the incidence of atopic diseases in infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic increased by 34 percent. This increase can be attributed to the hygiene hypothesis. [Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2023;34:e14013]

Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) analyzed data from the Chinese population-based MOMmy (MOther-infant Microbiota transmission and its link to long terM health of babY) study to compare the incidence of atopic diseases between infants born before (n=155) and those born during (n=997) the COVID-19 pandemic. [NCT04117321]

“There was a 46 percent increase in the incidence of atopic diseases in infants born in Hong Kong during the pandemic vs those born before the pandemic,” said Professor Siew Ng, Director of the Microbiota I-Centre (MagIC), CUHK.

“Gut microbiome diversity, composition, and developmental trajectory were significantly altered in infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic,” reported Professor Zhang Lin, Lead Scientist of MagIC, CUHK. “There was decreased richness in antimicrobial peptide resistance genes in their guts, which were crucial for building immunity.” [Gut Microbes 2025;17:2443117]

“Vigorous disinfection hinders the development of a healthy gut microbiome in infants, and likely increases the risk of atopic diseases, including eczema,” explained Lin. “We call on parents to review their daily sanitation habits.”

SIM03 and SIM05 for eczema

Through big data analysis, the researchers developed SIM03, which contains Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve, and SIM05, which contains a blend of food-grade Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains along with prebiotics. Both formulae were developed using microencapsulation technology to improve colonization in the gut. [Sci Rep 2024;14:3168; NCT06230991]

In an open-label pilot trial, 20 children with eczema received one sachet of SIM03 twice daily for 3 months. Results showed that SCORing Atopic Dermatitis score (SCORAD) decreased significantly at 2 (p=0.008) and 3 months (p<0.001) vs baseline, while QoL improved significantly at 1, 2, and 3 months. Children with increased B. bifidum after the use of SIM03 showed improvement in sleep (p=0.045).

In another pilot trial, SIM05 (one sachet twice daily for 4 months) led to improvements in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Pruritus Numerical Rating Scales (PNRS) vs baseline in adults with eczema.

Gut-skin axis

The gut is one of the largest organs. Altered gut microbiome composition can contribute to eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. The interrelationship between gut microbes and skin conditions is known as the gut-skin axis. [Dermatol Reports 2021;14:9188]

“We need rigorous scientific data, robust clinical studies, and new approaches to treat these conditions. Modulating the gut microbiome represents a promising and safe avenue,” said Ng.