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Transmission and Persistence of Infant Gut-Associated Bifidobacteria

Margaret A Hilliard1,2, David A Sela1,2,3,4,5

  • 1Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.

Microorganisms
|May 25, 2024
PubMed

Insights

The transmission of Bifidobacterium to infants is complex, with multiple potential sources like the mother, breast milk, and environment. Factors beyond breastfeeding influence infant gut colonization by these beneficial bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infant Gut Microbiome
  • Bacterial Transmission

Background:

  • Bifidobacterium infantis are key colonizers of the infant gut.
  • Understanding Bifidobacterium transmission to infants is incomplete.
  • Infant gut microbiota plays a crucial role in early life health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review microbial reservoirs contributing to infant Bifidobacterium colonization.
  • To explore potential transmission routes of Bifidobacterium to newborns.
  • To identify factors influencing early-life Bifidobacterium colonization.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific research on Bifidobacterium transmission.
  • Analysis of potential microbial reservoirs (maternal fecal-oral, vaginal, breast milk, environmental, in utero).
  • Examination of factors affecting infant gut colonization, including diet and breastfeeding.

Main Results:

  • Maternal fecal-oral transmission is strain and phenotype-dependent.
  • Vaginal transmission may be limited to Bifidobacterium breve.
  • Breast milk, environmental, and in utero transfer are additional potential sources.
  • Diet strongly influences Bifidobacterium colonization, independent of breastfeeding.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple reservoirs contribute to infant Bifidobacterium colonization.
  • Strain-specific factors and routes influence transmission success.
  • Factors beyond diet and breastfeeding are critical for early-life Bifidobacterium establishment.

Keywords:
Bifidobacterium infantisbifidobacteriahuman milkinfant gut microbiome

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