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Bacterial translocation in neonatal rats: the relation between intestinal flora, translocated bacteria, and influence

M Yajima1, M Nakayama, S Hatano

  • 1Department of Nutritional Research, Nutrition Science Institute, Meiji Milk Products Co., Ltd., 1-21-3 Sakae, Higashimurayama, Tokyo 189-8530, Japan. masako_yajima@meiji-milk.com

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|December 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Breast-feeding in neonatal rats significantly reduced bacterial translocation compared to formula feeding. Intestinal flora composition did not consistently predict translocated bacteria, with Staphylococcus posing a particular challenge.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Neonatal bacterial translocation is linked to immature host defenses and aerobic bacterial gut colonization.
  • Intestinal bacterial colonization patterns vary significantly based on feeding type and infant maturity.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for preventing neonatal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and species of translocated bacteria in neonatal rats.
  • To correlate bacterial translocation with intestinal microflora composition.
  • To assess the impact of different feeding methods (breast milk vs. formula) on bacterial translocation.

Main Methods:

  • Three groups of neonatal rats were studied: breast-fed (MR), formula-fed via intragastric cannula (AR), and breast-fed after cannula removal (Sham).
  • Artificial rearing utilized a machine feeding system.
  • Bacterial cultures from the intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, portal blood, and lungs were analyzed using a modified Mitsuoka's method.

Main Results:

  • Formula-fed (AR) neonates showed significantly higher Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium in feces compared to breast-fed (MR) neonates.
  • Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillus, and Staphylococcus were dominant in mesenteric lymph nodes across groups.
  • Systemic bacterial translocation resolved more quickly in the Sham group than in the AR group.

Conclusions:

  • The composition of intestinal flora did not reliably predict bacterial species translocated to systemic sites.
  • Staphylococcus species represent a potential challenge for neonatal host-defense mechanisms.
  • Breast-feeding demonstrated a protective effect against systemic bacterial translocation during the suckling period in rats.
Abstract

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