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Interactions mediating bacterial translocation in the immature intestine

L C Duffy1

  • 1Woman and Children's Health Research Foundation, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, SUNY, NY 14222, USA.

The Journal of Nutrition
|March 18, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial translocation (BT) from the gut to mesenteric lymph nodes is a concern, especially in newborns. Adherent bifidobacteria show promise in preventing pathogen colonization and reducing BT, offering potential biotherapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Systemic disease can arise from enterovirulent bacteria and toxins translocating from the gut lumen to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN).
  • Bacterial translocation (BT) is a significant concern in the developing gut of premature newborns, with anaerobic bacteria rarely observed to translocate.
  • Phagocytic cells, such as macrophages, may play a crucial role in the process of bacterial translocation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review systemic disease caused by bacterial translocation (BT).
  • To investigate the inhibitory effects of adherent human bifidobacterial strains against colonization by diarrheagenic bacteria and viruses.
  • To explore the protective role of human breast milk and potential biotherapeutic strategies for combating BT.

Main Methods:

  • Testing adherence of bifidobacterial strains to enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells in vitro.
  • Investigating the inhibitory effect of adherent bifidobacteria against Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella typhimurium, murine rotavirus, and rhesus rotavirus.
  • Utilizing various in vitro and in vivo models to assess bacterial and viral colonization and translocation.

Main Results:

  • Adherent human bifidobacterial strains demonstrated inhibitory effects against colonization by specific diarrheagenic bacteria and viruses.
  • Human breast milk contains bioactive substances that inhibit bacterial overgrowth and BT.
  • Anaerobic bacteria are infrequently observed to translocate to the MLN.

Conclusions:

  • Adherent bifidobacteria show potential as a biotherapeutic strategy to inhibit pathogen colonization and reduce bacterial translocation.
  • Human breast milk's bioactive components offer protective effects against bacterial overgrowth and BT.
  • Stimulating beneficial anaerobic microflora, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, presents a promising research avenue for treating BT-related diseases.

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