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Bacterial DNA is present in the fetal intestine and overlaps with that in the placenta in mice

Keith A Martinez1,2, Joann Romano-Keeler3, Joseph P Zackular4

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Sackler Institute, New York, New York, United States of America.

Plos One
|May 18, 2018
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated bacterial DNA in fetal mice, finding its presence in the fetal gut and placenta. Maternal oral and vaginal bacteria showed significant overlap with fetal gut DNA, suggesting potential transmission routes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Bacterial DNA has been detected in placental and amniotic fluid samples.
  • The taxonomic relationship between maternal, fetal, and placental bacterial DNA remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the presence and taxonomic characteristics of bacterial DNA in fetal mouse intestines and placentas.
  • To compare fetal bacterial DNA profiles with maternal and newborn samples.
  • To investigate potential origins of fetal bacterial DNA.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene V4 region in fetal intestines, placentas, maternal sites (mouth, vagina, colon, feces), and newborn intestines.
  • Utilized SourceTracker analysis to identify bacterial DNA origins.
  • Included negative controls to mitigate contamination risks.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial DNA was detected in fetal mouse intestines and placentas.
  • Fetal intestinal bacterial DNA exhibited higher phylogenetic diversity than placental or newborn intestinal DNA.
  • The phylum Firmicutes was most prevalent.
  • Placenta was a common identifiable origin for fetal bacterial DNA.
  • Over 75% of fetal gut bacterial genera overlapped with maternal oral and vaginal taxa, but not with fecal taxa.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides evidence for bacterial DNA presence within the mouse fetus.
  • Maternal oral and vaginal microbiomes are potential sources of bacterial DNA found in the fetal gut.
  • The placenta may serve as a conduit for bacterial DNA transfer to the fetus.

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