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A Necrotizing Enterocolitis-Associated Gut Microbiota Is Present in the Meconium: Results of a Prospective Study

Fardou H Heida1,2, Anne G J F van Zoonen1, Jan B F Hulscher1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|January 21, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is linked to abnormal gut bacteria. Specific bacteria like Clostridium perfringens were found in higher amounts in infants who developed NEC, even in meconium samples.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal research
  • Microbiome studies
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Anomalous intestinal microbiota development is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates.
  • Identifying the gut microbiota in high-risk infants is crucial for understanding NEC development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the intestinal microbiota composition in neonates at risk for NEC.
  • To investigate the association between specific microbial profiles and NEC development.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective trial (NTR4153) involving high-risk neonates.
  • Fecal samples (meconium and pre-NEC onset) collected and analyzed for bacterial 16S rRNA genes using MiSeq sequencing.
  • Gestational age/birthweight matched NEC cases and controls.

Main Results:

  • Increased Clostridium perfringens and Bacteroides dorei in meconium of NEC cases compared to controls (P < .001).
  • Staphylococci negatively associated with NEC in post-meconium samples; C. perfringens remained prevalent in NEC cases.
  • Early enteral feeding, especially breast milk, correlated with increased lactate-producing bacilli.

Conclusions:

  • A NEC-associated gut microbiota is identifiable in meconium.
  • C. perfringens is consistently associated with NEC from meconium to pre-onset; staphylococci show a negative association post-meconium.
  • Findings suggest causality, warranting further investigation through animal models, antibiotics, or probiotics.
Keywords:
gut microbiotamicrobiome profilingnecrotizing enterocolitis

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