Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

20.5K

Perinatal microbiota: review of its importance in newborn health

José Uberos1

  • 1Unidad Neonatal, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España. juberos@ugr.es.

Archivos Argentinos De Pediatria
|May 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Metagenomics defines a standard gut microbiome in newborns, crucial for immune system development. Factors like delivery mode and feeding influence this early bacterial ecosystem.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The infant gut microbiome plays a critical role in immune system development.
  • Early life microbial colonization is influenced by various environmental and maternal factors.
  • Metagenomics offers a powerful tool to analyze complex microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a standard functional genetic profile for the newborn gut microbiome.
  • To understand the critical role of early enterotype development in immune priming.
  • To investigate the relationship between environmental factors and the infant gut microbiome.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing metagenomics to analyze the functional genetic content of infant gut bacterial ecosystems.
  • Comparing infant gut microbial profiles to a defined standard.
  • Analyzing the impact of delivery mode, antibiotics, environment, and nutrition on microbiome composition.

Main Results:

  • A standard functional genetic profile for newborn gut bacteria has been defined.
  • The similarity of an infant's gut microbiome to this standard indicates its normality.
  • Early enterotype development is critical for immune system priming.
  • Delivery method, perinatal antibiotics, environment, and nutrition significantly impact the gut microbiome.

Conclusions:

  • Metagenomics provides a framework for assessing the 'normalcy' of the infant gut microbiome.
  • Early microbial colonization and enterotype formation are vital for infant immunity.
  • Factors such as birth mode and feeding practices are key determinants of the early gut microbiome composition.

Keywords:
enterotypemicrobiomemicrobiotanewborn infant

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

223

Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
86.3K
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
827
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
1.4K
Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

Surface Membrane Barriers

The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
2.5K
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...
663
Defense Mechanism Against Infection01:26

Defense Mechanism Against Infection

Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
9.0K