Children born to mothers with asthma are three times more likely to develop asthma themselves than those with asthmatic fathers, which suggests that a risk factor extends beyond genetics. There is emerging evidence that bacteria in the infant’s gut can impact immune function and contribute to the types of immune responses that are seen in asthma.

In this study, Dr Collison will investigate if there are differences in the types of bacteria and the timing of colonisation through the first year of life. It will allow him to examine which colonisation patterns are associated with a risk of developing asthma and may assist in developing prevention strategies.

Project type 
Project Grant
Year of funding 
2016