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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.
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.
Abstract:
The process of microbiome development arguably begins before birth. Vertical transmission of bacteria from the mother to the infant is a keystone event in microbiome development. Subsequent to birth, the developing microbiome is vulnerable to influence from a wide range of factors. Additionally, the microbiome can influence the health and development of the host infant. This intricate interaction of the gastrointestinal microbiome and the host has been described as both symbiotic and dysbiotic. Defining these terms, a symbiotic microbiome is where the microbiome and host provide mutual benefit to each other. A pathogenic microbiome, or more precisely a gastrointestinal microbiome associated with disease, is increasing described as dysbiotic. This review seeks to investigate the factors that contribute to evolving a disease-causing or 'dysbiotic' microbiome. This review covers the development of the gastrointestinal microbiome in infants, the interaction of the microbiome with the host, and its contribution to host immunity and investigates specific features of the gastrointestinal microbiome that are associated with disease.
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