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Quantitative changes in faecal microflora preceding necrotising enterocolitis in premature neonates
1Department of Microbiology, General Infirmary, Leeds.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Significant shifts in infant gut bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae, were observed up to 72 hours before necrotising enterocolitis onset. These changes in fecal flora may indicate altered intestinal conditions preceding the disease.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal emergency in premature infants.
- The etiology of NEC is multifactorial, with the gut microbiome playing a potential role.
- Understanding pre-clinical changes in the gut flora could aid in early detection and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate quantitative changes in fecal bacterial flora preceding clinical NEC onset.
- To identify specific bacterial groups associated with NEC development.
- To explore the relationship between intraluminal conditions and NEC.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of fecal bacterial flora in 12 infants with NEC episodes.
- Monitoring of bacterial composition during the week prior to clinical NEC presentation.
- Identification and quantification of bacterial species, including Enterobacteriaceae.
Main Results:
- Considerable quantitative alterations in fecal flora were detected before NEC onset in both definite and possible cases.
- A decline in certain bacterial species was noted up to 72 hours pre-clinically.
- Enterobacteriaceae were present in all definite NEC episodes within 48 hours pre-onset, appearing as new isolates or increased in number.
Conclusions:
- Significant quantitative changes in fecal bacterial flora precede the clinical manifestation of NEC.
- Altered intraluminal conditions likely contribute to these observed microbial shifts.
- These findings suggest potential for microbial surveillance in predicting NEC risk.