Study Identifies Fungus in NYC Mice that Aggravates Food Allergies
Research Suggests Link to Human Asthma
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a fungus in the stomach of NYC mice that exacerbates food allergies. The study, published in the journal Nature, found that the fungus, Kazachstania pintolopesii, is present in the stomach of mice captured in NYC, Los Angeles, and Maryland farms, as well as in lab mice.
Fungus Found in Mice Feces
The fungus is shed in the feces of these mice, which can contaminate food and potentially spread to humans. While it is unclear what effect it has on humans, the study draws a link between the fungus and asthma in humans living in areas with high mouse activity.
Senior Study Author’s Insights
"We can see that in the Bronx, you can see that in certain areas of Brooklyn," said Iliyan Iliev, an associate professor of immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine. "The mice in the big cities, they are close to the human population. They are getting into their houses, into the gardens, into the parks and everywhere."
How the Fungus Affects Mice
In mice, the fungus can trigger a type 2 immune response, which protects against worms and other parasites but also exacerbates food allergies. Iliev explained that the fungus can get past the mucus layer in the gastrointestinal tract and interact with immune cells, leading to an overactive immune response.
Next Steps
The team plans to expand their research to determine if the fungus is present in the gut microbiome of other animals, such as rats. "That’s what we are very interested to learn," Iliev said. "They share similar habitats. The internal temperature in the stomach and in the gastrointestinal tract are very similar, so I don’t see why [the fungus] would not survive also in other animals."
Conclusion
The study’s findings highlight the potential importance of considering the microbiome of urban animals, such as mice, in understanding the development of food allergies and asthma. Further research is needed to determine the impact of the fungus on human health, but the study’s results suggest a potential link between mouse activity and human respiratory health.
FAQs
Q: What is the fungus found in the stomach of NYC mice?
A: The fungus is called Kazachstania pintolopesii.
Q: What is the purpose of the study?
A: The study aims to understand the role of the fungus in exacerbating food allergies in mice and potentially in humans.
Q: Is the fungus present in other animals?
A: The study did not specifically investigate other animals, but Iliev suggests that it could potentially be present in other animals with similar habitats, such as rats.
Q: What are the next steps for the research team?
A: The team plans to expand their research to other animals and investigate the potential effects of the fungus on human health.
