Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

21.1K

Benefits of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V Supplementation in Preterm Neonates - A Retrospective Cohort Study

Sanjay K Patole1,2, Shripada C Rao3,2, Anthony D Keil4

  • 1Department of Neonatal Paediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, Australia.

Plos One
|March 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Routine probiotic supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V significantly reduced necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm neonates <34 weeks. Further research is needed for extremely preterm infants <28 weeks.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiome research

Background:

  • Systematic reviews indicate probiotics lower necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) risk in preterm infants.
  • Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition affecting premature newborns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of routine probiotic supplementation (RPS) on NEC incidence in preterm neonates.
  • To assess the effect of RPS on NEC and all-cause mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study analyzed NEC and mortality rates over 24 months before and after RPS with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V.
  • The study included neonates born before 34 weeks gestation.
  • Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors.

Main Results:

  • RPS significantly reduced NEC (≥ Stage II) from 3% to 1% (aOR=0.43) and combined NEC or mortality from 9% to 5% (aOR=0.53) in neonates <34 weeks.
  • No significant reduction in all-cause mortality alone was observed (7% vs. 4%, aOR=0.58).
  • Benefits were not statistically significant in the subgroup of neonates <28 weeks, though trends suggested improvement. No cases of probiotic-associated sepsis were reported.

Conclusions:

  • Routine probiotic supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V is effective in reducing NEC and combined NEC or mortality in preterm neonates <34 weeks.
  • Larger studies are necessary to confirm the benefits of RPS in extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks).
  • Bifidobacterium breve M-16V supplementation is safe, with no reported cases of sepsis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers09:36

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

Published on: July 28, 2022

2.7K
Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation09:02

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation

Published on: February 15, 2018

20.0K

Related Concept Videos

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...
14
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,...
14
Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
55
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,...
34
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

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...
33
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...
90.8K