Antibiotic treatment at delivery shapes the initial oral microbiome in neonates

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neonatal Health
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• The origins of the neonatal oral microbiome and factors influencing its early development remain largely unknown.
• Oral microorganisms play a critical role in maintaining health and disease states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sources of the initial neonatal oral microbiome.
• To identify factors influencing early oral microbiota development in neonates.
• To examine the impact of maternal intrapartum antibiotics on neonatal oral microbiota composition.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of placental, maternal oral, and gut microbiome profiles in 36 mother-baby dyads using 16S rRNA sequencing.
• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) to analyze the expression of five β-lactamase class antibiotic resistance genes in infant oral microbiota.
• Comparison of neonatal oral microbiota composition with maternal oral, placental, and maternal gut microbiomes.

Main Results:

• The neonatal oral microbiota was primarily derived from the maternal oral source (65.35%).
• Two distinct neonatal oral microbiota profiles emerged, correlating with maternal intrapartum antibiotic exposure.
• Proteobacteria dominated in neonates exposed to antibiotics, whereas Streptococcaceae, Gemellaceae, and Lactobacillales were prevalent in unexposed neonates.
• Vim-1 antibiotic resistance gene was detected in 26% of exposed neonates.

Conclusions:

• Maternal intrapartum antibiotic treatment is a significant regulator of the initial neonatal oral microbiome.
• Antibiotic exposure during childbirth alters the early colonization patterns of the neonatal oral microbiota.
• Understanding these early microbial dynamics is crucial for neonatal health outcomes.