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Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Colonisation of Pathogens01:25

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers
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Bacterial colonization and gut development in preterm neonates.

Malene S Cilieborg1, Mette Boye, Per T Sangild

  • 1Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Early Human Development
|January 31, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants is complex, with diet and bacteria interacting unpredictably. Optimal host defense, supported by maternal milk, is key to preventing NEC, rather than specific bacterial profiles.

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A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neonatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) affects 5-10% of preterm infants, linked to enteral feeding and gut bacteria.
  • The interplay between diet, bacteria, and the immature gut in NEC pathogenesis remains unclear.
  • Understanding microbiota-epithelium interactions is crucial for NEC prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors influencing bacterial colonization in preterm infants and NEC.
  • To explore the role of diet and microbiota in NEC development using infant and animal models.
  • To identify key determinants of NEC susceptibility in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fecal samples from preterm infants to assess bacterial diversity and NEC association.
  • Studies in preterm pig models to examine mucosa-associated microbiota changes with delivery, prematurity, and NEC.
  • Evaluation of probiotic effects on NEC incidence in both animal models and human infants.

Main Results:

  • Infant fecal microbiota showed high variability; low diversity and overgrowth were linked to NEC.
  • In preterm pigs, delivery method and prematurity impacted microbiota, with limited dietary effects.
  • Specific bacterial overgrowth (e.g., Clostridia) appeared to be a consequence, not a cause, of NEC.
  • Probiotic effects varied; in infants, they generally reduced NEC incidence and mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Host defense factors, enhanced by optimal enteral nutrition like colostrum/milk, are more critical than microbiota composition for NEC susceptibility.
  • The immature intestinal immune system requires appropriate support to manage variable bacterial colonization.
  • Further research is needed to determine optimal probiotic strategies and understand host-microbiota interactions in NEC.