Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 28, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

[Formation of intestinal microflora in children during the first year of their life]

L A Levanova1, V A Aleshkin, A A Vorob'ev

  • 1State Medical Institute, Kemerovo, Russia.

Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
|September 25, 2001
PubMed

Insights

The intestinal microflora in infants develops throughout the first year, often showing dysbiotic disturbances. Stable dysbacteriosis can impair immune status, indicated by increased harmful bacteria and reduced beneficial bifidobacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Infant intestinal microbiocenosis undergoes dynamic changes during the first year of life.
  • Early-life gut microbiota composition is crucial for immune system development.
  • Dysbiotic disturbances are frequently observed in infant gut microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the monthly dynamics of intestinal microbiocenosis in infants during their first year.
  • To identify critical periods of dysbiotic disturbances.
  • To correlate gut dysbiosis with immunological status in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study tracking intestinal microbiocenosis monthly in 525 infants.
  • Analysis of microbial composition and identification of specific bacterial groups.
  • Assessment of immunological status in relation to microbial findings.

Main Results:

  • Microflora formation persisted throughout the first year, marked by dysbiotic disturbances.
  • Aggravation of dysbiosis occurred at 3, 6-7, and 11-12 months of age.
  • Stable dysbacteriosis correlated with decreased immunological status, increased hemolytic cocci and Proteus, and reduced bifidobacteria.

Conclusions:

  • The first year of life is critical for establishing a balanced intestinal microbiota.
  • Specific time points (3, 6-7, 11-12 months) are key for monitoring infant gut health.
  • Early identification and management of dysbacteriosis are essential for supporting infant immune development.

More Related Videos

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions05:27

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

Published on: June 30, 2021

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings04:16

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings

Published on: February 7, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Intestines01:53

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.Small IntestinesThe small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small intestine...
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...