Natal factors influencing newborn's oral microbiome diversity

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neonatal Health
• Immunology

Background:

• The early-life microbiome is critical for infant immune system development and physiological functions.
• Understanding factors influencing the neonatal oral microbiome is essential for infant health.
• Mother-to-newborn microbial transmission plays a key role in establishing the infant microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors affecting neonatal oral microbiome diversity.
• To explore mother-to-newborn microbial transmission routes.
• To identify specific natal factors influencing oral microbiome composition.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of prospective and retrospective cohorts of mothers and neonates.
• Culture-based methods for analyzing maternal cervical and neonatal gastric, bronchial, and oral samples.
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing for detailed neonatal oral microbiome characterization.

Main Results:

• Similar microbial genera found across neonatal gastric, bronchial, and oral sites.
• Neonatal gastric microbiota showed similarity to maternal cervical microbiota.
• Birth type, delivery mode, maternal conditions, and microbial presence at other sites influenced oral microbiome diversity.
• Preterm neonates displayed reduced oral microbiome diversity with increased pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal oral microbiome development is influenced by maternal transmission and various natal factors.
• Birth type, particularly preterm birth, is a significant determinant of oral microbiome diversity.
• Findings provide a baseline for studying preterm neonates' oral microbiota and associated health outcomes.