Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
06:27

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates

Published on: December 31, 2015

8.5K

Fungal cutaneous microbiome and host determinants in preterm and term neonates

Anshu A Paul1, Kristi L Hoffman2, Joseph L Hagan1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

Pediatric Research
|December 10, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The skin microbiome of preterm infants is simple and affected by antibiotics and the NICU environment. Understanding these factors and host genetics can help prevent invasive fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal dermatology
  • Fungal microbiome research
  • Infectious disease prevention

Background:

  • The skin microbiome in preterm infants remains largely uncharacterized.
  • Preterm neonates are susceptible to invasive fungal infections due to immature skin.
  • Identifying factors influencing the skin mycobiome is crucial for preventing infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the neonatal cutaneous mycobiome in preterm infants.
  • To identify clinical and host determinants of the skin mycobiome.
  • To inform strategies for preventing invasive fungal infections in neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Collected skin swabs from preterm and term neonates (n=30) over 5 weeks.
  • Sequenced the fungal ITS2 region to analyze the mycobiome.
  • Genotyped immune-modulating genes and collected clinical data.

Main Results:

  • The neonatal mycobiome is characterized by low diversity.
  • Antibiotic exposure, body site (forehead), and NICU environment impact mycobiome diversity.
  • Delivery mode, diet, and body site influence mycobiome composition.
  • Host genetics (TLR4, NLRP3, CARD8, NOD2 polymorphisms) are associated with the cutaneous microbiome.

Conclusions:

  • The neonatal skin mycobiome is simple and influenced by clinical factors and host genetics.
  • Understanding these influences can guide the development of preventive strategies against invasive fungal infections.

More Related Videos

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

6.8K
Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice04:18

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

274

Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
5.1K
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
13.2K
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
354
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
718