Impact of Oropharyngeal Administration of Colostrum in Preterm Newborns' Oral Microbiome

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neonatal Medicine
• Human Microbiome Research

Background:

• Initial human microbiota colonization is crucial for infant development.
• Oropharyngeal administration of colostrum is a safe and well-tolerated method for preterm infants.
• Understanding the impact of early interventions on the oral microbiome is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of oropharyngeal colostrum administration on the establishment of oral microbiota in preterm infants.
• To compare the oral microbiota composition between preterm infants receiving oropharyngeal colostrum and those receiving standard care.
• To investigate the temporal dynamics of oral microbiota colonization in early life.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal observational study involving 20 preterm neonates.
• Participants were divided into two groups: Oropharyngeal Administration of Colostrum (OAC) and Standard Care (SC).
• Saliva samples were collected weekly for 21 days and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Main Results:

• The OAC group showed a higher relative abundance of *Staphylococcus* on day 7.
• An increased abundance of *Bifidobacterium* and *Bacteroides* was observed in the OAC group during the first week.
• Time significantly influenced oral microbiota modulation in both groups, highlighting the dynamic nature of the early oral environment.

Conclusions:

• Oropharyngeal colostrum administration can modulate the early oral microbiota composition in preterm infants.
• The intervention may promote the colonization of beneficial bacteria, potentially impacting infant health.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications of these findings.