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Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

Probiotics for preterm infants?

M Millar1, M Wilks, K Costeloe

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Barts and The London NHS Trust, 37 Ashfield Street, Whitechapel, London E1 1BB, UK. michael.millar@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|August 26, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Special care for infants can lead to abnormal microbial colonization. Probiotics, or live microbial supplements, given through enteric feeding may help prevent diseases like neonatal necrotising enterocolitis in these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal research
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Infants in special care baby units (SCBUs) often exhibit abnormal microbial colonization patterns.
  • This dysbiosis is a potential risk factor for developing serious health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential benefits of probiotics for infants in SCBUs.
  • To explore the role of probiotics in preventing diseases such as neonatal necrotising enterocolitis.

Main Methods:

  • Enteric administration of live microbial supplements (probiotics).
  • Monitoring microbial colonization patterns in infants receiving probiotics.

Main Results:

  • Probiotic supplementation may modulate the gut microbiota in SCBU infants.
  • Evidence suggests a potential protective effect against neonatal diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Enteric probiotics show promise for improving gut health in high-risk infants.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and optimal use of probiotics in neonatal care.

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