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Mode of delivery modulates the intestinal microbiota and impacts the response to vaccination

Emma M de Koff1,2,3, Debbie van Baarle4,5, Marlies A van Houten1,6

  • 1Spaarne Academy, Spaarne Gasthuis, Hoofddorp and Haarlem, Netherlands.

Nature Communications
|November 15, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Infant gut microbiota, influenced by delivery mode, impacts vaccine response. Vaginal birth promotes beneficial bacteria linked to stronger antibody responses against pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Early-life gut microbiota development is crucial for immune system maturation.
  • The gut microbiome may influence the effectiveness of childhood vaccinations.
  • Mode of delivery is a significant factor shaping the infant gut microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between mode of delivery, infant gut microbiota composition, and antibody responses to childhood vaccines.
  • To determine if specific gut bacteria in early life correlate with vaccine immunogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gut microbiota in infants during the first year of life.
  • Assessment of antibody-specific responses to pneumococcal vaccination at 12 months and meningococcal vaccination at 18 months.
  • Correlation of microbiota profiles with antibody titers based on delivery mode.

Main Results:

  • Infants born via vaginal delivery exhibited higher antibody responses to both pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines.
  • Relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Escherichia coli in early life was positively associated with anti-pneumococcal antibody responses.
  • E. coli abundance in early life also positively correlated with anti-meningococcal antibody responses.

Conclusions:

  • Mode of delivery shapes the early-life gut microbiota.
  • Gut microbiota profiles established by delivery mode are associated with subsequent immune responses to routine childhood vaccines.
  • Targeting specific gut bacteria may enhance vaccine immunogenicity in infants.

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