Mite Allergy Prevention Study (MAPS)

Have you, baby’s dad, or any of your children ever suffered from: Sniff, Sneeze, Wheeze or Itchbecause of Asthma, Hay fever or Allergy?

Southampton University and the David Hide Centre are conducting a research project to try and prevent babies developing Asthma and/or Allergy.

What is the purpose of the study?

Over the last few decades there has been an increase in the number of children with asthma, eczema, hay fever and food allergy. We still do not know why more individuals are developing these diseases. We know that children born in families with asthma and allergic disease are at a higher risk of developing allergies.

The purpose of this study is to see if we can reduce this risk. One way to prevent the development of asthma and other allergic diseases is to stop babies becoming allergic to common allergens such as house dust mite.

During infancy the immune system is still learning what is harmful. By exposing babies to a common allergen, such as house dust mite, we hope to be able to teach their immune system that it is harmless, therefore preventing the development of allergy to it. To be effective we believe we need to act very early in life, well before the baby reaches their first birthday. If we are correct, this should reduce the development of asthma and other allergies in later life. The purpose of this study is to test this idea.

If this can be proven to work, we will be able to apply this preventive measure to other children who are born with a high risk of developing these diseases.

If you would like to find out more about the project please ring the research teams:

Isle of Wight Study Team: 01983 552147 or 01983 534192

Southampton Study Team: 023 8079 4989 or 07770 220159 (call or text)