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Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
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Intestinal microbiota development and gestational age in preterm neonates

Katri Korpela1,2, Elin W Blakstad3,4, Sissel J Moltu5

  • 1Immunobiology Research Programme, Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. katri.korpela@helsinki.fi.

Scientific Reports
|February 8, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The intestinal microbiota of preterm infants develops in four phases, primarily driven by gestational age. Breast milk promotes a healthy gut microbiome, resembling that of term infants.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The intestinal microbiota is crucial for preterm infant health but can be disrupted by environmental factors and treatments.
  • Understanding how to foster a healthy gut microbiome in preterm infants is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the development of the intestinal microbiota in breastfed preterm infants during the first 60 days of life.

Main Methods:

  • Fecal samples were collected from 45 preterm infants (birth weight < 1500g).
  • Microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Gestational age was the primary factor influencing microbiota development.
  • Antibiotic use caused temporary but significant shifts; birth mode had minimal impact.
  • Microbiota succession occurred in four phases: Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Bifidobacterium.
  • An Enterococcus phase, observed in extremely preterm infants, potentially delayed succession.

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalized preterm infants receiving breast milk can develop a normal intestinal microbiota similar to that of term infants.

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