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Bifidobacterium breve M-16 V and scGOS/lcFOS Supplementation to Dams Ameliorates Infant Rotavirus Infection in Early

Laura Sáez-Fuertes1,2, Karla Rio-Aige1,2, Malén Massot-Cladera1,2

  • 1Physiology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, 08028, Spain.

Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|October 29, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Maternal synbiotic supplementation, including Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and oligosaccharides, improved newborn rat immunity against rotavirus (RV) infection. This dietary intervention reduced RV infection severity and enhanced immune responses in pups.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Newborns possess underdeveloped immune systems, increasing susceptibility to infections like rotavirus (RV).
  • Maternal immunity plays a crucial role in protecting neonates against early-life infections.
  • Rotavirus (RV) remains a significant cause of infant mortality, particularly in developing nations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of maternal dietary synbiotics on newborn immune responses to rotavirus (RV).
  • To determine if synbiotic supplementation during gestation and lactation can enhance protection against RV infection in offspring.

Main Methods:

  • Pregnant rats were administered Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and a mixture of short-chain and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS).
  • Pups were orally infected with RV on day 5 and samples collected on day 8 for analysis.
  • Assessed RV infection severity, immunoglobulin levels (IgG2c, IgA), intestinal maturation, and immune-related gene expression.

Main Results:

  • Pups born to mothers receiving the synbiotic exhibited reduced rotavirus (RV) infection severity.
  • Elevated levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) IgG2c in pup plasma and IgA in milk were observed.
  • Synbiotic supplementation led to improved intestinal maturation and increased expression of immune-related genes.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal administration of the synbiotic Bifidobacterium breve M-16V with scGOS/lcFOS ameliorates rotavirus (RV) infection incidence and severity in newborn pups.
  • This intervention enhances neonatal immunity through improved intestinal maturation and immune gene expression.
  • Dietary synbiotics represent a promising strategy to bolster infant immunity against viral infections.

Keywords:
Bifidobacterium breve M‐16Vinfancylong chain fructo‐oligosaccharides (lcFOS)rotavirusshort chain galacto‐oligosaccharides (scGOS)

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