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Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

14
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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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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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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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 Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

8
The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
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Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

11
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
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The Developing Microbiome of the Preterm Infant.

Mara E DiBartolomeo1, Erika C Claud1

  • 1The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Clinical Therapeutics
|March 8, 2016
PubMed
Summary

The neonatal microbiome plays a crucial role in infant health. Understanding the unique microbial communities in preterm infants is key to improving long-term health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The human microbiome is integral to health and disease.
  • The preterm infant microbiome is unique due to diet and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment.
  • Early microbial colonization influences host development and health trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the significance of the neonatal microbiome.
  • To understand its impact on intestinal and overall infant health.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on the neonatal microbiome.

Main Results:

  • The early-life microbiome, particularly in preterm infants, has a profound impact.
Keywords:
developmentmicrobiomenecrotizing enterocolitispreterm infant

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  • Microbial communities in NICU settings are distinct and influence host development.
  • This early microbial programming affects both neonatal and later-life health outcomes.

    • Conclusions:

    • The neonatal microbiome is a critical factor in establishing long-term health.
    • Further research into the preterm infant microbiome is essential for targeted interventions.