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Microbiome and allergy: what was discussed at the international congress in Vienna?
Vienna, 2025. The Gut-Immune Axis congress is underway in the hall of the Center for Biomedical Research. Leading European scientists are discussing the relationship between the microbiome and allergic diseases. This time, loud theses were made: allergies do not begin in the lungs or skin, but in the intestines. And bacteria play a key role in this.
What is the microbiome and how does it affect the immune system?
Microbiome — is the collection of all microorganisms that live in our bodies. Most of them are in the intestines. These bacteria are involved in:
formation of immune tolerance;
limiting inflammatory reactions;
production of vitamins and fatty acids that affect immunity.
When the microbiome is disrupted, its ability to control the immune response is reduced. As a result, even harmless substances can trigger an aggressive reaction - an allergy.
How an altered microbiome is linked to allergies: research evidence
The conference presented the results of observations of over a thousand children and adults with allergic reactions. The main conclusions are summarized below:
| Indicator | Patients with allergies | People without allergies | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presence of dysbiosis | 76% | 19% | A clear link between microflora disruption and hypersensitivity |
| Reduced number of Bifidobacterium spp. | 68% | 22% | These bacteria help reduce inflammation |
| High intestinal permeability | 63% | 18% | Factors contributing to the development of food allergies |
| Low microbial diversity | 81% | 29% | Narrowing of bacterial composition weakens immune regulation |
| Decreased tolerance to allergens after antibiotic therapy | 55% | 9% | Antibiotics at an early age — risk of future allergies |
The data is based on a multicenter analysis conducted in clinics in the Netherlands, Italy, and Japan (2022–2024).
What did the experts advise?
Allergy prevention should start with the microbiome — yet before birth: healthy nutrition for pregnant women, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics.
After birth - breastfeeding, minimum antibiotics, gradual contact with the microenvironment.
In adults, a diet with prebiotics, live fermented foods, and if necessary, probiotics under the supervision of a doctor.
Looking to the future
At the end of the conference, a prediction was made: in the next 10 years, there will be personalized probiotic strategies against allergies. That is, before prescribing treatment, first microbiome analysis, then — adapted microbial intervention.
According to the organizers, we are on the verge of a new era: Allergies are not just a reaction, but a consequence of an imbalance in the ecosystem within us.
This conference proved that to combat allergies, it is important not only to avoid allergens, but also build immunity through a healthy microbiome. Perhaps soon, instead of antihistamines, we will be asked… a microbiotic profile.
