The Role of Infant Gut Microbiota Modulation by Perinatal Maternal Probiotic Intervention in Atopic Eczema Risk...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Probiotics show promise in preventing atopic eczema in high-risk infants.
• Investigating the role of gut microbiota composition in probiotic efficacy is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if maternal probiotic administration alters infant gut microbiota composition.
• To assess the link between gut microbiota changes and the prevention of atopic eczema.

Main Methods:

• 46 mother-infant pairs from a randomized controlled trial were analyzed.
• Maternal probiotic interventions (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LPR, Bifidobacterium longum BL999, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ST11) or placebo were administered.
• Infant gut microbiota was profiled at 1 and 6 months using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Main Results:

• 19 of 46 children developed atopic eczema by age 2.
• Gut microbial diversity was similar between eczema and control groups at 1 and 6 months.
• Children with atopic eczema showed higher Clostridia abundance at 6 months, but probiotic intervention did not consistently alter microbiota in line with eczema development.

Conclusions:

• Perinatal maternal probiotic intervention reduces atopic eczema risk.
• This protective effect does not appear to be mediated by significant modulation of the infant gut microbiota.