Abnormalities in microbial composition and function in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis: A single-center...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neonatal Medicine
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal condition affecting premature infants.
• The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in infant gut health and development.
• Understanding the gut microbiome's role in NEC is vital for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distinct features and functional capacity of the intestinal microbiota in neonates diagnosed with NEC.
• To compare the gut microbiota composition and function between infants with NEC and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Collected clinical data and stool samples from 19 neonates (9 NEC, 10 controls).
• Utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing for gut microbiota analysis.
• Employed PICRUSt2 for functional prediction of microbial pathways.

Main Results:

• While alpha diversity was similar, beta diversity revealed significant structural differences in gut microbiota between NEC and control groups.
• Increased abundance of Proteobacteria and decreased levels of Firmicutes, Enterococcus, Streptococcaceae, and Lactobacillales were observed in infants with NEC.
• Functional analysis indicated a decline in pathways such as galactose metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis in NEC infants.

Conclusions:

• NEC is associated with significant alterations in the composition and function of the neonatal intestinal microbiota.
• These microbial shifts, particularly the enrichment of Proteobacteria, may contribute to NEC pathogenesis.
• Further research into the gut microbiota-NEC relationship can inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.