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Microbial transmission, colonisation and succession: from pregnancy to infancy

Liwen Xiao1,2, Fangqing Zhao3,2,4

  • 1Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.

Gut
|January 31, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The maternal and infant microbiome plays a crucial role in health. Understanding this microbial interplay is key for preventing pregnancy complications and infant diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • The human microbiome is linked to numerous diseases and serves as a biomarker.
  • The microbiome's role in pregnant women and newborns is gaining significant attention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the maternal-offspring microbiome and immune system interplay during the perinatal period.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of microbial transmission and immune imprinting.
  • To discuss in utero microbial colonization and the microbiome's impact on early infant development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on maternal-infant microbiome interactions.
  • Analysis of microbial transmission routes (vaginal, fecal, placental).
  • Examination of immune imprinting mechanisms in neonates.

Main Results:

  • Maternal microbiome composition influences offspring's initial microbial colonization.
  • Immune imprinting occurs through microbial exposure during pregnancy and early life.
  • Evidence suggests potential in utero microbial colonization, though debated.
  • The first three years of life are critical for microbiome development and immune maturation.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal-infant microbial exchange significantly impacts perinatal health.
  • Understanding this relationship can lead to microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics for mother-infant diseases.
  • Further research into in utero colonization and early-life microbiome interventions is warranted.

Keywords:
infant gutintestinal developmentintestinal microbiology

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