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First encounters of the microbial kind: perinatal factors direct infant gut microbiome establishment

Kevin Linehan1,2,3, Eugene M Dempsey2,4, C Anthony Ryan2,4

  • 1Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland.

Microbiome Research Reports
|December 4, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Perinatal factors significantly shape the infant gut microbiome, influencing early development and long-term health. Understanding these influences is key to promoting infant well-being and preventing disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Human Development
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The human gut microbiome is crucial for host health.
  • The early-life microbiome critically impacts development and long-term health.
  • Perturbations in the early microbiome can lead to infant diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review perinatal factors influencing the neonatal gut microbiome.
  • To understand how these factors shape initial microbial colonization.
  • To identify strategies for improving infant health through microbiome modulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on perinatal influences on the infant gut microbiome.
  • Synopsis of key factors affecting microbial colonization.
  • Analysis of the impact of maternal and perinatal conditions.

Main Results:

  • Maternal nutrition, antibiotic use, gestational age, and mode of delivery are key perinatal factors.
  • These factors significantly influence the colonization, development, and function of the neonatal gut microbiome.
  • Early microbial composition is established through these perinatal exposures.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding perinatal influences on the infant gut microbiome is essential for promoting infant health.
  • Targeting perinatal factors can help prevent early and later-life diseases.
  • This review highlights critical factors for optimizing the early-life microbiome.

Keywords:
Gut microbiomeantibioticsdiseasesearly programmingmode of birthneonatal microbiotaperinatal factors

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