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Mother-infant transmission of human microbiota

Hilary P Browne1, Yan Shao1, Trevor D Lawley1

  • 1Host-Microbiota Interactions Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|July 5, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Maternal transmission of beneficial gut bacteria to infants is crucial for immune development and disease resistance. Optimizing this microbial

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Human Health

Background:

  • The human microbiota plays a vital role in health, development, and disease resistance.
  • Microbiota acquisition begins at birth and influences infant immune system development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key maternally transmitted bacterial species.
  • To discuss their sources and role in shaping infant immune development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of large-scale studies on maternal microbiota transmission.
  • Analysis of the impact of birth mode and antibiotic exposure on infant microbiota and immunity.

Main Results:

  • Identified Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides species as key maternally transmitted bacteria.
  • Disruption of maternal transmission (e.g., C-section, antibiotics) is linked to increased pathogen colonization and immune disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal transmission provides a critical microbial 'starter kit' for infants.
  • This process promotes healthy growth and enhances disease resistance.
  • Nurturing maternal microbiota transmission should be prioritized for infant health.

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