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Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
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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
Summary
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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