Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Understanding and Treatment Strategies with the NEC-on-a-Chip Model
Published on: July 28, 2023
Gut microbiota and the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates
Nadim Cassir1, Umberto Simeoni2, Bernard La Scola1
1Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a devastating intestinal disease in preterm neonates. In this population, disruption of the gut microbiota development, mainly due to organ immaturity, antibiotic use and hospital microbial environment, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of NEC. This gut dysbiosis has been associated with opportunistic pathogens overgrowth, expression of virulence factors, altered metabolic functions and inflammatory dysregulated responses. In this review, we provide an updated summary of the host and gut microbiota interactions during the formative early life. We also explore the key determinants of gut dysbiosis in preterm neonates with NEC. Finally, we discuss the promising role of bacteriotherapy in the management of NEC, the aim being to shape or restore the beneficial gut bacterial communities.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Human Microbiota
Anatomy of the 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...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
Functions of the Gut Microbiota
Introduction to the Human Microbiota

