The Nonbacterial Infant Microbiome and Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is among the most devastating neonatal illnesses of premature infants. Although it is a disease of multifactorial etiology associated with bacterial dysbiosis, several reports of viral and some fungal infections associated with NEC have been published. Despite the abundance of viruses-primarily bacteriophages, and "virus-like particles" in the normal infant gut flora, there is limited understanding of the contribution of these elements to newborn gut health and disease. This study aims to review existing evidence on normal newborn virome and mycobiome development and present insights into the complex inter-kingdom interactions between gut bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the intestinal ecosystem, exploring their potential role in predisposing the preterm infant to NEC. · We have reviewed a number of viral and fungal infections reported in association with NEC-like illnesses.. · Bacteriophages play a crucial role in the gut microbiome development, but their role in pathogenesis of NEC and potential for therapeutic use is unknown.. · Development of next-gen metagenomic tools are needed to enhance our understanding of viral diversity, bacteriophages, and the gut virome in the context of neonatal health and disease..