[Microbiota establishment: an in utero colonization decisive for future health?]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Developmental Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• The human microbiota plays a crucial role in health and disease.
• Microbiota dysbiosis is linked to various pathologies.
• The establishment of the neonatal microbiota is a critical developmental step.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential existence and role of an in utero microbiota.
• To explore how prenatal bacterial colonization might influence the establishment of the neonatal microbiota.
• To examine the implications for developmental origins of health and disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on prenatal microbial colonization.
• Analysis of studies investigating bacterial presence in the uterus, amniotic fluid, and placenta.
• Discussion of methodologies used to detect low-biomass microbial communities.

Main Results:

• Recent studies suggest bacterial presence in the previously considered sterile uterine environment, amniotic fluid, and placenta.
• This potential in utero exposure could precede microbial colonization from the delivery mode.
• Evidence for a low-biomass in utero microbiota is currently debated within the scientific community.

Conclusions:

• The concept of an in utero microbiota is emerging but remains controversial.
• Prenatal microbial exposure may significantly impact the development of the infant's microbiome.
• Understanding prenatal microbial colonization is vital for comprehending the developmental origins of diseases.