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Published on: January 27, 2019
Meconial Methanobrevibacter smithii suggests intrauterine methanogen colonization in preterm neonates
Youssouf Sereme1,2, Cheick Oumar Guindo1,2, Anne Filleron3,4
1Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, MEPHI, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
To understand the dynamics of methanogens in the human intestinal microbiota, we investigated the presence of methanogens in meconium using a polyphasic approach including microscopy and PCR-sequencing in 33 meconium samples collected from 33 pre-term neonates, in accordance with current ethics regulation. In the presence of negative controls, 90.9% samples were real-time PCR-positive for methanogens and 69.7 % were PCR-sequencing positive, identified as Methanobrevibacter (M.) smithii. Further, auto-fluorescent analysis detected methanogens in the two meconium samples analyzed, with a morphology suggesting M. smithii. Multispacer Sequence Typing found M. smithii genotypes ST1 and ST2, previously described as intestinal microbiota inhabitants. C-section delivery and non-use of peripartum antibiotics significantly correlated with PCR-detection of methanogens in meconium. These data position M. smithii among the early inhabitants of the human gut, detectable immediately after birth and suggest the contribution of methanogens to the perinatal development of intestinal microbiota and physiology.
Insights
Methanogens, including Methanobrevibacter smithii, are early inhabitants of the human gut, detectable in meconium immediately after birth. Their presence correlates with C-section delivery and lack of peripartum antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Microbiome Research
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Methanogens play a role in the human gut microbiome.
- Understanding the initial colonization of the infant gut is crucial for health.
- The presence and dynamics of methanogens in early life are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and identity of methanogens in meconium from preterm neonates.
- To determine the factors influencing early methanogen colonization.
- To understand the role of methanogens in perinatal gut development.
Main Methods:
- Polyphasic approach including microscopy, real-time PCR, and PCR-sequencing.
- Analysis of 33 meconium samples from preterm neonates.
- Multispacer Sequence Typing for methanogen genotyping.
Main Results:
- Methanogens were detected in 90.9% of samples by real-time PCR and 69.7% by PCR-sequencing.
- Methanobrevibacter smithii was the predominant species identified.
- Methanogen detection correlated with C-section delivery and absence of peripartum antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Methanobrevibacter smithii colonizes the human gut immediately after birth.
- Methanogens contribute to the perinatal development of the intestinal microbiota.
- Delivery mode and antibiotic use influence early methanogen colonization.
