Scientists from the University of Bristol, reporting online in thejournal Nature, carried out experiments on genetically modified micethat lacked the part of their immune system that responds to bacteria.They found that 80 per cent of mice raised in a completely germ-freeenvironment and lacking 'friendly' bacteria developed diabetes.
Research last year by other Bristol University researchers found therehad been a five-fold increase in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes inchildren aged under five in the past 20 years.
The latest findings support the 'hygiene hypothesis' - the theory that alack of exposure to bacteria in the developed world may be leading to ahigher risk of developing asthma, allergies and other disorders of theimmune system.
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