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Published on: January 27, 2019
Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on the Gut Microbiota Composition of Infants Delivered by Cesarean Section: An
Yujiao Gong1, Hui Zhong1, Jing Wang1
1Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Probiotic supplementation for cesarean-delivered infants enriches gut microbiota and promotes beneficial bacteria colonization. This intervention helps restore a healthy gut microbiome early in life.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Cesarean section (CS) delivery is linked to increased risk of immune-related diseases.
- Altered gut microbiota in infants born via CS is a potential contributing factor.
- Probiotics are being investigated for preventing gut dysbiosis in CS-delivered neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota of infants delivered by cesarean section.
- To assess the impact of specific probiotic strains on early gut colonization patterns.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 30 full-term neonates delivered by CS.
- Intervention group received oral probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis) for 2 weeks.
- Stool sample analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing at birth, 2 weeks, and 42 days.
Main Results:
- Probiotic strains were abundant in supplemented infants.
- Increased abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides, Acinetobacter, Veillonella, Faecalibacterium).
- Reduced colonization of the potentially pathogenic bacterium Klebsiella in the intervention group.
Conclusions:
- Probiotic supplementation immediately after CS enriches gut microbiota composition.
- Probiotics alter the pattern of early gut colonization in CS-delivered infants.
- This intervention may help mitigate risks associated with CS delivery.
Background:
Infants born via cesarean section (CS) are at an increased risk of immune-related diseases later in life, potentially due to altered gut microbiota. Recent research has focused on the administration of probiotics in the prevention of gut microbiota dysbiosis in neonates delivered by CS. This study was performed to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota of CS-delivered infants.
Methods:
Thirty full-term neonates delivered by CS were randomized into the intervention (supplemented orally with a probiotic containing Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis for 2 weeks) and control groups. Stool samples were collected at birth and 2 weeks and 42 days after birth. The composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing technology.
Results:
The applied bacterial strains were abundant in the CS-delivered infants supplemented with probiotics. Probiotics increased the abundance of some beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Acinetobacter, Veillonella, and Faecalibacterium. Low colonization of Klebsiella, a potentially pathogenic bacterium, was observed in the intervention group.
Conclusions:
Our results showed that probiotics supplemented immediately after CS enriched the gut microbiota composition and altered the pattern of early gut colonization.
Trial Registration:
registration number NCT05086458.
