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Characterizing the Composition of the Pediatric Gut Microbiome: A Systematic Review

Kane E Deering1, Amanda Devine1, Therese A O'Sullivan1

  • 1School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.

Nutrients
|December 22, 2019
PubMed

Insights

The preadolescent gut microbiome is primarily composed of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes bacteria. Factors like geography and diet influence gut microbial composition and diversity in children.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Human Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • The human gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health.
  • Limited research exists on the specific microbiome composition of children.
  • A systematic review was conducted to address this knowledge gap.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and characterize the gut microbiome in healthy preadolescent children.
  • To identify dominant bacterial taxa at phylum and genus levels.
  • To explore factors associated with microbiome diversity and composition.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to August 31, 2018.
  • Inclusion of 42 studies from 815 initially identified articles.
  • Analysis of bacterial relative abundance, alpha-diversity, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, diet, 16S rRNA sequencing region, and geographical location.

Main Results:

  • The preadolescent gut microbiome is dominated by Firmicutes (51.1%) and Bacteroidetes (36.0%) at the phylum level.
  • Key genera include Bacteroides (16.0%), Prevotella (8.69%), Faecalibacterium (7.51%), and Bifidobacterium (5.47%).
  • Geographic location and 16S rRNA sequencing region were linked to microbial variations; non-Western participants showed higher alpha-diversity and SCFA levels.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides a comprehensive overview of the preadolescent gut microbiome composition.
  • Geographical location and dietary patterns significantly influence gut microbial profiles in children.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the functional capacity and health implications of the pediatric gut microbiome.

Keywords:
SCFAchildrendietgut healthgut microbiomegut microbiotapediatricsreviewshort chain fatty acid

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