Stomach Flu Virus linked to Food Allergies?

Findings published in The Open Immunology Journal suggest that researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin have discovered there may be a link between norovirus (a virus that causes "stomach flu" in humans) and food allergies.Researchers fed egg protein to mice infected with norovirus .  Examining the mice for signs of an immunoglobulin E, or IgE (the response that leads to allergic reaction), researchers are building on a previous result that has shown an IgE response to an inhaled protein during a respiratory infection in another a mouse model. These earlier findings suggest early respiratory infections in children could lead to allergic diseases like asthma later in childhood. Similarly, an IgE response to a gastrointestinal virus could signify a likelihood of developing a food allergy after the viral infection.

"Food allergies are a dangerous, costly health issue not only in the United States, but worldwide," said Dr. Grayson. "This study provides additional support for the idea that allergic disease may be related to an antiviral immune response, and further studies are planned to continue exploring the exact series of events that connect the antiviral response with allergic diseases."

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