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Late preterm birth has direct and indirect effects on infant gut microbiota development during the first six months

M Forsgren1, E Isolauri1,2, S Salminen3

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Late preterm infants show different gut bacteria than full-term infants, with prematurity and external factors like antibiotics impacting development. These differences persist for at least six months after birth.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Research
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Preterm infants often exhibit abnormal gut microbial colonization.
  • Understanding the factors influencing gut microbiota in preterm neonates is crucial for their health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if differences in gut microbiota between late preterm and full-term infants stem from prematurity or external exposures.
  • To identify specific microbial alterations and their correlation with birth status and perinatal factors.

Main Methods:

  • Faecal samples were collected from 43 late preterm and 75 full-term infants at birth, 2-4 weeks, and 6 months.
  • Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to assess clinically relevant bacteria.
  • Logistic regression analyses determined the influence of prematurity versus perinatal exposures on gut microbiota.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in bifidobacteria prevalence were observed between preterm and full-term infants.
  • Microbiota alterations were most pronounced shortly after birth and persisted up to six months.
  • Mode of birth, antibiotic exposure, and breastfeeding duration, in addition to prematurity, influenced gut microbiota development.

Conclusions:

  • Gut microbiota composition significantly differs between late preterm and full-term infants up to six months post-birth.
  • Antibiotic exposure, common in preterm infants, modulated gut colonization.
  • Preterm birth independently impacts gut microbiota development, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
AntibioticsCaesarean sectionGut colonisationIntestinal microbiotaLate preterm neonate

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