Evolution of a Pathogenic Microbiome

Pui Yin Wong1, Carmen Yip1, Daniel A Lemberg2

  • 1Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia.

PubMed

Insights

Infant gut microbiome development begins before birth. This review explores factors influencing the infant microbiome, distinguishing between symbiotic and disease-associated (dysbiotic) states.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Microbiome development initiates prenatally via vertical transmission.
  • The infant microbiome is dynamic and influenced by numerous postnatal factors.
  • Host-microbiome interactions can be symbiotic or dysbiotic, impacting infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate factors contributing to a dysbiotic infant microbiome.
  • To review infant gastrointestinal microbiome development and host interactions.
  • To explore the microbiome's role in host immunity and disease association.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of infant microbiome development.
  • Analysis of host-microbiome interactions.
  • Examination of factors leading to dysbiosis.

Main Results:

  • Early life microbial colonization is crucial for infant health.
  • Dysbiosis is linked to disease states in infants.
  • Multiple factors influence the transition from symbiosis to dysbiosis.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding infant microbiome development is key to preventing disease.
  • Factors influencing dysbiosis require further investigation.
  • Targeting the infant microbiome may offer therapeutic potential.

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