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Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

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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,...
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Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

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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...
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Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

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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,...
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Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

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The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such...
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Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

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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...
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Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

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The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
04:18

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

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Maternal microbiome - A pathway to preterm birth.

Angela E Vinturache1, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman2, Joseph Hwang3

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
|March 4, 2016
PubMed
Summary

The human microbiome, including oral and vaginal microbes, significantly impacts pregnancy outcomes. Understanding these microbial communities is key to addressing the unresolved issue of preterm birth.

Keywords:
Commensal floraInfectionInflammationMetagenomicsMicrobiomePreterm birth

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Microbiology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Maternal and infant mortality have decreased, but preterm birth remains a significant challenge.
  • The human microbiome's role in pregnancy is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of maternal microbiomes on pregnancy outcomes.
  • To explore the relationship between microbial alterations, infection, and preterm delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Next-generation sequencing
  • Metagenomic analysis
  • Review of existing literature on maternal microbiomes

Main Results:

  • Maternal microbiomes in various niches (oral, vaginal, gut, cervical, placenta) influence pregnancy outcomes.
  • Alterations in microbial biomass are linked to preterm birth.

Conclusions:

  • The maternal microbiome plays a critical role in governing pregnancy outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to understand the interplay between microbiome, infection, and preterm birth.