Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

21.0K

Why is initial bacterial colonization of the intestine important to infants' and children's health?

Pearl D Houghteling1, W Allan Walker

  • 1Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Charlestown.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|October 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Infant gut microbiome development is crucial for lifelong health. Factors like birth mode and feeding shape this critical window, impacting immunity and digestion.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Infant microbial colonization is a pivotal event during early development.
  • This early colonization profoundly influences the maturation of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system.
  • The infant microbiome serves as a foundation for the adult microbial community.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of factors influencing infant microbial colonization.
  • To explore the downstream consequences of infant colonization on gastrointestinal health and disease.
  • To examine potential therapeutic interventions for disrupted colonization.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of factors affecting infant microbial colonization.
  • Analysis of the impact of birth mode, breastfeeding, and immune system modulation.
  • Survey of outcomes related to immune education, barrier function, and metabolism.
  • Examination of disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Birth mode and breastfeeding significantly impact initial microbial inoculation.
  • The developing immune system actively modulates the infant microbiome.
  • Colonization timing influences neonatal immune system education, barrier function, and metabolism.
  • Interactions between microbiome, genetics, and nutrition are critical.

Conclusions:

  • Early life microbial colonization is a critical determinant of long-term gastrointestinal and immune health.
  • Disruptions in infant colonization can lead to various diseases.
  • Nutritional and microbial therapies show promise for managing disrupted colonization.

More Related Videos

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers07:09

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers

Published on: January 9, 2026

406
Assessing the Viability of a Synthetic Bacterial Consortium on the In Vitro Gut Host-microbe Interface10:24

Assessing the Viability of a Synthetic Bacterial Consortium on the In Vitro Gut Host-microbe Interface

Published on: July 4, 2018

10.9K

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,...
58
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...
58
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...
64.6K
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,...
136
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
1.6K
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...
68