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Clinical Study of Correlation for the Intestinal and Pharyngeal Microbiota in the Premature Neonates

Sen Yang1,2, Lina Qiao1,2, Jing Shi1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|March 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Early life microbial colonization in premature infants influences the gut-lung axis. Intestinal and pharyngeal microbiota share common microbes, but their specific roles in gut-lung crosstalk require further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Research
  • Gut-Lung Axis

Background:

  • The gut-lung axis describes the bidirectional communication between the intestines and lungs.
  • Early-life microbial colonization is crucial for developing intestinal and lung functions.
  • Mechanisms underlying the gut-lung axis, particularly in premature neonates, remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between intestinal and pharyngeal microbiota in premature neonates.
  • To characterize the early microbial composition in the gut and pharynx of preterm infants.
  • To explore potential microbial links relevant to the gut-lung axis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of stool and pharyngeal swab samples from 13 premature neonates (26-32 weeks gestational age).
  • Sample collection on day 1 (T1) and day 28 (T28) post-birth.
  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 regions) using Illumina MiSeq for microbiota composition analysis.

Main Results:

  • On day 1 (T1), no significant difference in microbial composition between intestine and pharynx; shared microbes included Ureaplasma and Fusobacterium.
  • On day 28 (T28), a significant difference (p < 0.001) in microbial composition was observed between intestine and pharynx.
  • Streptococcus was a common microbe found in both sites by day 28.

Conclusions:

  • Premature neonates exhibit distinct intestinal and pharyngeal microbial profiles.
  • Shared microbial species are present in the gut and pharynx of preterm infants.
  • Further research is needed to determine the role of these shared microbiota in gut-lung crosstalk mechanisms.

Keywords:
16S rRNA sequencinggut-lung axisintestinal micriobiotapharyngeal microbiotapreterm neonate

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