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Gut Microbiota Profile and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants: A Longitudinal Study

Alexandru Cosmin Pantazi1,2, Cristina Maria Mihai1,2, Ancuta Lupu3

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania.

Nutrients
|February 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Infants with functional gastrointestinal disorders show gut dysbiosis, with fewer beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Cesarean birth and artificial feeding increase FGID risk and microbial imbalance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal function and the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).
  • FGIDs are common in infants and encompass conditions like infantile colic, functional constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, and functional diarrhea.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the gut microbiota composition in infants diagnosed with FGIDs.
  • To analyze the relationship between microbiota, age, environmental factors, and clinical symptoms in infants with FGIDs.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 134 infants was studied, comprising 82 with FGIDs (classified into four subgroups) and 52 healthy controls, all assessed using Rome IV criteria.
  • Bacteriological analysis of fecal samples was conducted to determine the composition of the intestinal microbiota.

Main Results:

  • Infants with FGIDs exhibited intestinal dysbiosis, marked by a reduction in acidifying bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus) and an increase in proteolytic bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli).
  • Higher incidences of FGIDs and intestinal dysbiosis were observed in infants born via cesarean section or those who were artificially fed.

Conclusions:

  • An imbalance between acidifying and proteolytic gut microbial composition is a potential key factor in the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders during infancy.
  • Environmental factors such as delivery mode and feeding method significantly influence gut microbiota and FGID occurrence in infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
acidifying florafunctional gastrointestinal disordersinfantsintestinal microbiota

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