Microbes and Respiratory Illnesses, The MARI Study
This study is called the Microbes and Respiratory Illnesses (MARI) Study. Children growing up on farms are exposed to many types of microbes that could be beneficial. It is thought that increased exposure to certain types of microbes early in life helps to develop a healthy immune system and reduce the risk for severe common cold illnesses, breathing problems, and allergies.
• Participant and/or parent guardian must be able to understand and provide informed consent
• Children ages 4-12 years of age
• Cohort 1: Family is self-identified as Traditional agrarian (TA) Community member
• Cohort 2: Madison-area children with parental report of doctor-diagnosed asthma
• Cohort 3: Madison-area children with no history of asthma by parental report
• Cohort 4: Madison-area children who have an active respiratory illness