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[Intestinal microbiocenosis at the critical periods of child development]
L A Levanova1, V A Aleshkin, A A Vorob'ev
1State Medical Institute, Kemerovo, Russia.
Insights
Infant gut bacteria undergo significant shifts in the first six months, especially at 1 and 3-6 months. This study highlights changes in intestinal microflora composition in young children, with boys showing more pronounced disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- The intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in infant health and immune system development.
- Critical periods in immune system development may influence gut microbiota composition.
- Understanding these changes is vital for infant health and early life interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the bacteriological composition of fecal specimens from infants during critical immune development periods.
- To compare intestinal microflora changes in children under one year old.
- To identify specific alterations in gut microbiota and their prevalence in different age groups and sexes.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological analysis of fecal specimens from 595 children.
- Comparative study of intestinal microflora at various critical immune development stages.
- Focus on infants aged 1 month and 3-6 months.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in intestinal microflora were observed in infants under one year, particularly within the first six months.
- These alterations were most pronounced at 1 month and 3-6 months of age.
- A decrease in indigenous microflora and an increase in aerobic microflora, dominated by Enterobacteriaceae, were noted.
- Gut microflora disturbances were more prevalent in infant boys compared to girls.
Conclusions:
- The first six months of life represent a critical window for gut microbiota development in infants.
- Alterations in the gut microbiome during this period, characterized by reduced beneficial bacteria and increased Enterobacteriaceae, are significant.
- Sex-specific differences in microflora disturbances warrant further investigation for targeted health strategies.
Abstract:
The bacteriological study of fecal specimens obtained from 595 children at different critical periods of the development of their immune system was carried out. The comparison of intestinal microflora in children at the critical periods of the development of their immune system revealed that in children under 1 year considerable changes in the microflora composition were observed during the first 6 months of life. These changes, most pronounced in children aged 1 month and 3-6 months, were characterized by decreased level of indigenous microflora and an increase in the qualitative and quantitative content of aerobic microflora with the representatives of the family Enterobacteriaceae playing the dominating role. In boys such disturbances were manifested to a greater extent than in girls.