Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates
08:32

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Published on: February 17, 2023

Gross blood in stools of premature neonates, a clinical and microbiological follow-up study

Raakel Luoto1, Jesus Rodriguez-Diaz, Maria C Collado

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Satakunta Central Hospital, Pori, Finland. raakel.luoto@utu.fi

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|February 13, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Gross blood in stools of premature infants is typically benign and self-limiting. Gut microecology in these infants, even when supplemented with probiotics, showed no significant alterations associated with this symptom.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Macroscopic gross blood in stools is a concerning symptom in premature infants.
  • Understanding the clinical course and gut microecology is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical course of premature infants presenting with macroscopic gross blood in stools.
  • To analyze the gut microecology in these infants and identify potential contributing factors.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 14 premature infants with gross blood in stools, compared to matched controls.
  • Gut microbiota composition analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
  • Enteric viruses assayed by PCR and RT-PCR.

Main Results:

  • The symptom of gross blood in stools was transient, benign, and self-limiting in all studied infants.
  • No enteric viruses were detected in stool samples.
  • No statistically significant differences in bacterial analyses or gut microbiota composition were found between infants with and without gross blood in stools.
  • Low bacterial diversity was observed in the gut microbiota of the studied cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Macroscopic gross blood in stools of premature infants, without signs of infection, is generally an innocuous and self-limiting condition.
  • The gut microecology in premature infants receiving breast milk supplemented with probiotics was not significantly altered and not associated with this symptom.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates06:27

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates

Published on: December 31, 2015

Related Concept Videos

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...
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,...
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test01:30

Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test

Gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic studies are pivotal in confirming, ruling out, diagnosing, or staging various diseases, including cancers. Following diagnosis, allocating time for discussions with the patient and providing informational resources is crucial. Diagnostic assessments of the GI tract often occur in outpatient settings like endoscopy suites or GI labs. Preparation for these tests may include dietary restrictions, fasting, liquid bowel preparations, laxatives, enemas, and the...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
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...