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Preemies going pro: How probiotic treatment matures the microbiome of extreme premature infants

Dena Ennis1, Nadav Moriel1, Moran Yassour2

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91121, Israel.

Cell Host & Microbe
|May 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics may alter the infant gut microbiome in extremely premature infants. This study investigated the impact of probiotics on the developing gut microbial communities of these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Preterm birth presents significant long-term health challenges for infants.
  • The infant gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health and development.
  • Understanding microbial community dynamics is vital for improving outcomes in premature infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiome composition in extremely premature infants.
  • To assess how probiotic interventions influence microbial colonization and diversity in early life.
  • To identify potential microbial targets for improving infant health following preterm birth.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fecal samples from extremely premature infants.
  • Utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the gut microbiome.
  • Comparing microbial profiles between infants receiving probiotics and control groups.

Main Results:

  • Probiotics administration resulted in alterations to the infant gut microbiome composition.
  • Specific bacterial taxa showed differential abundance in response to probiotic treatment.
  • Changes in microbial diversity were observed in infants treated with probiotics.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics can modulate the gut microbiome in extremely premature infants.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for probiotics in supporting infant gut health.
  • Further research is warranted to optimize probiotic strategies for this population.

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