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New concepts of microbial translocation in the neonatal intestine: mechanisms and prevention

Michael P Sherman1

  • 1University of Missouri, Department of Child Health, Children's Hospital, 404 Keene Street, Neonatology Suite 206, Columbia, MO 65201, USA. ShermanMP@health.missouri.edu

Clinics in Perinatology
|September 4, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial translocation contributes to sepsis in preterm infants. Interventions like lactoferrin, probiotics, and prebiotics show promise for prevention, with clinical trials ongoing to confirm safety and efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Bacterial translocation from the gut is a key factor in late-onset sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in very low-birth-weight infants.
  • Factors facilitating translocation include immature gut microbiota, underdeveloped intestinal lining, naive immune systems, and inadequate nutrition, particularly lack of breast milk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the mechanisms behind bacterial translocation in preterm infants.
  • To review potential preventative strategies targeting the gut microbiome and immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of factors influencing bacterial translocation.
  • Analysis of emerging nutritional and microbial interventions.

Main Results:

  • Identified key host and microbial factors contributing to bacterial translocation in preterm neonates.
  • Highlighted lactoferrin, probiotics, and prebiotics as promising interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the intestinal environment and microbiota may prevent bacterial translocation in preterm infants.
  • Further clinical trials are necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of these preventative strategies.

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