Variable preterm oral microbiome stabilizes and reflects a full-term infant profile within three months

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Neonatal health
• Infectious disease

Background:

• Preterm infants face higher risks of illness and death.
• The role of oral and respiratory microbiota in preterm infant disease is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the development of oral and respiratory microbiota in preterm infants.
• To compare preterm infant microbiota to that of full-term infants and adults.
• To explore the association between microbiota and conditions like Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) and sepsis.

Main Methods:

• Studied 50 very preterm neonates, comparing them to 14 healthy full-term infants and 16 adults.
• Collected buccal swabs and tracheal aspirates at two time points (1 week and 1-3 months post-birth).
• Analyzed 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences to determine microbiota diversity, composition, and species abundance.

Main Results:

• Microbiota diversity and composition in preterm infants were significantly influenced by the time of collection.
• Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) and sepsis were associated with distinct oral microbiota profiles in preterm infants.
• Opportunistic pathogens linked to BPD and sepsis were detected in preterm infants, even in those without the diseases at initial sampling.
• Preterm infant oral microbiota initially differed from full-term infants and adults but became similar over time.

Conclusions:

• The development of non-gut microbiota in preterm infants requires further investigation.
• Early-life oral microbiota in preterm infants is unique and may influence short- and long-term health outcomes.
• The presence of opportunistic pathogens in preterm infants' oral and respiratory tracts highlights potential risks for infection and disease.