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Gut microbiota in preterm infants with gross blood in stools: A prospective, controlled study

Mohamed Ben Said1, Stephane Hays2, Deplhine Maucort-Boulch3

  • 1Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, F-69004 Lyon, France; Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El-Manar, 1007 Bab Saâdoun, Tunis, Tunisia.

Early Human Development
|August 16, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants with gross blood in stools show altered gut microbiota, with higher E. coli and lower Staphylococcus levels. Dysbiosis may be a risk factor, warranting further research into E. coli genotypes and probiotic interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gross blood in stools is uncommon in preterm infants.
  • The etiology of gross blood in stools in preterm infants is poorly understood.
  • Gut microbiota alterations are observed in preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the gut microbiota composition in preterm infants presenting with gross blood in stools.
  • To compare the gut microbiota of preterm infants with gross blood in stools to that of healthy preterm controls.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, controlled, single-center study design.
  • Inclusion of preterm infants (born before 34 weeks gestation) with gross blood in stools.
  • 16S rRNA gene PCR and temporal temperature gel electrophoresis used for gut microbiota analysis.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in gut microbiota diversity scores between cases and controls.
  • Significantly higher prevalence of Escherichia coli in infants with gross blood in stools (p=0.045).
  • Significantly lower prevalence of Staphylococcus sp. in infants with gross blood in stools (p=0.047).

Conclusions:

  • Gut dysbiosis may represent a risk factor for gross blood in stools in preterm infants.
  • Further research is needed to explore the role of specific E. coli genotypes.
  • Investigate the potential of probiotics and prebiotics for prevention and treatment.
Abstract

Keywords:
Gut microbiotaHuman milkInfectionPrematurityRectal bleedingStaphylococcus

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