HEALTH

Can house dust explain why Amish protected from asthma?

Associated Press
Published | Updated

In this April 9, 2013 photo, an Amish girl chases a cow from the outfield during a baseball game in Bergholz, Ohio. A study published Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2015 explored reasons why asthma is so uncommon among Amish communities, where children play barefoot in dairy barns and farm fields, while indoor pets are taboo. Early and frequent exposure to farming microbes might boost Amish children’s disease-fighting immune system, the study suggests. (AP Photo/Scott R. Galvin) (The Associated Press)

In this April 9, 2013 photo, an Amish girl chases a cow from the outfield during a baseball game in Bergholz, Ohio. A study published Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2015 explored reasons why asthma is so uncommon among Amish communities, where children play barefoot in dairy barns and farm fields, while indoor pets are taboo. Early and frequent exposure to farming microbes might boost Amish children’s disease-fighting immune system, the study suggests. (AP Photo/Scott R. Galvin) (The Associated Press)

Research in the Amish and Hutterites sheds new light on asthma. Those farming-based religious groups shun modern ways and are similar genetically. But asthma is uncommon in Amish communities but higher in the other group.

In the new study, blood samples showed Amish kids had more types of white blood cells that help fight infections. Dust samples taken from homes in both groups also offered clues. Lab mice sensitized to develop asthma showed symptoms when exposed to Hutterite dust but not Amish dust.

The researchers think germs from nearby cows may wind up in the dust and somehow protect kids. Hutterites have mechanized farms and their kids have less contact with farm animals.

The study was published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine.