The study of the microbiome in forensic investigations on pediatric deaths

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a tragic and devastating condition whose causes remain largely unknown. Recent studies have shown that the composition of a child's gut flora can play a significant role in the development of SIDS.

This work aims to research those factors that influence the composition of the intestinal flora, the role they have in the development of SIDS and the new strategies for preventing SIDS showing a new interpretation through a detailed review of the literature. The gut in physiological conditions is mainly composed of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, but when there is the presence of dysbiotic or different microbial communities, the onset of the disease is more likely as an altered microbial community can lead to an interruption of the gut-brain axis and an increased risk of SIDS.

All this implies that the composition of the microbiome can be modified to reduce the risk of sudden death in newborns. The results of the literature provide valuable information on the potential role of the intestinal microbiome in SIDS even if not all mechanisms are yet clear, especially in the mechanisms of death. Therefore, it is necessary in cases of SIDS when carrying out an autopsy to also investigate this area; to this end, we suggest a questionnaire to be administered to family members to understand the eating habits of the newborn and the family and integrate with microbiological investigations to explore every possible hypothesis.