Role of the Microbiome in Neonatal Infection: Pathogenesis and Implications for Management

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neonatal Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The human microbiome comprises diverse microorganisms essential for health.
• Microbiome disruption can lead to pathogens causing invasive infections, including neonatal sepsis.
• Current interventions like probiotics and fecal transplantation have unclear risk-benefit profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence linking the gut microbiome to neonatal sepsis.
• To discuss challenges in translating microbiome research into clinical practice for neonatal care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on the human microbiome and neonatal sepsis.
• Analysis of current therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiome.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests a link between gut microbiome composition and neonatal sepsis risk.
• The efficacy and safety of microbiome-modulating interventions in neonates are not well-established.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the gut microbiome's role in neonatal sepsis is critical.
• Further research is needed to develop safe and effective clinical applications for microbiome manipulation in neonates.