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Effects of oral Lactobacillus GG on enteric microflora in low-birth-weight neonates

Ramesh Agarwal1, Nidhi Sharma, Rama Chaudhry

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|February 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Lactobacillus GG (LGG) probiotic use in preterm infants showed varied colonization success based on birth weight and antibiotic exposure. LGG supplementation increased gut microbial diversity in lower birth weight infants, suggesting a role in modulating neonatal gut ecology.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal microbiome research
  • Probiotic efficacy studies
  • Gut microbial ecology

Background:

  • Neonatal gut microbial colonization is crucial for infant health.
  • Probiotics may influence disease risk by altering gut microbial composition.
  • Anaerobic flora plays a significant role in neonatal gut function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the colonization ability of Lactobacillus GG (LGG) in preterm infants.
  • To evaluate LGG's impact on neonatal gut microbial ecology.
  • To determine factors influencing LGG colonization and efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, randomized study of 71 preterm infants (<2000 g birth weight).
  • Infants received LGG orally; stool samples analyzed for aerobic and anaerobic cultures.
  • Dosing and duration varied by infant birth weight (<1500 g vs. 1500-1999 g).

Main Results:

  • LGG colonization occurred in 21% of infants <1500 g and 47% of infants 1500-1999 g.
  • Colonization was hindered by recent antibiotic use.
  • LGG increased species diversity in infants <1500 g, particularly Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal response to probiotics like LGG depends on gestational age, post-natal age, and antibiotic history.
  • LGG demonstrates a limited colonization capacity in very low birth weight infants.
  • LGG supplementation can modulate neonatal intestinal colonization patterns.
Abstract

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