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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Microfluidic Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Incorporating Human Neonatal Intestinal Enteroids and a Dysbiotic Microbiome
Published on: July 28, 2023
Pediatric surgery and the human microbiome
Erica M Carlisle1, Michael J Morowitz
1Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Bold advances in the past decade have made it possible to carefully study the contributions of microbes to normal human development and to disease pathogenesis. The intestinal microbiota has been implicated in adult diseases ranging from obesity to cancer, but there have been relatively few investigations of bacteria in surgical diseases of infancy and childhood. In this review, we discuss how novel culture-independent approaches have been harnessed to profile microbes present within clinical specimens. Unique features of the pediatric microbiota and innovative approaches to manipulate the gut flora are also reviewed. Finally, we detail the contributions of gut microbes to 3 diseases relevant to pediatric surgeons: necrotizing enterocolitis, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease. Current and future research regarding the pediatric microbiota is likely to translate to improved outcomes for infants and children with surgical diseases.
Insights
Recent advances allow studying the pediatric microbiota
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research and its application in pediatrics.
Background:
- The intestinal microbiota's role in adult diseases is established, but its impact on pediatric surgical conditions is understudied.
- Novel culture-independent techniques enable detailed analysis of microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pediatric microbiota's unique characteristics and manipulation strategies.
- To examine the role of gut microbes in necrotizing enterocolitis, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease relevant to pediatric surgery.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing culture-independent approaches to profile microbes in clinical specimens.
- Reviewing existing literature on pediatric microbiota and surgical diseases.
Main Results:
- Highlighting unique features of the pediatric microbiota.
- Detailing microbial contributions to necrotizing enterocolitis, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric microbiota research offers potential for improved surgical outcomes in infants and children.
- Future research will likely enhance understanding and treatment of pediatric surgical conditions.
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