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The Nonbacterial Infant Microbiome and Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
Nilima Jawale1, Jeffrey S Shenberger2, Ricardo J Rodriguez3
1Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, New York, New York.
American Journal of Perinatology
|March 4, 2025
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe neonatal illness. This review explores the roles of viruses and fungi, particularly bacteriophages, in infant gut health and NEC development, highlighting knowledge gaps and future research needs.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical illness affecting premature infants, with multifactorial causes including bacterial dysbiosis.
- While viral and fungal infections are reported in NEC, the role of the infant gut virome and mycobiome remains poorly understood.
- Bacteriophages are abundant in the infant gut but their contribution to NEC pathogenesis and therapeutic potential is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the development of the newborn virome and mycobiome.
- To explore inter-kingdom interactions between bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the infant gut.
- To investigate the potential role of these interactions in predisposing preterm infants to NEC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral and fungal infections associated with NEC-like illnesses.
- Analysis of the role of bacteriophages in gut microbiome development and NEC.
- Identification of research needs for understanding the neonatal gut virome.
Main Results:
- Several viral and fungal infections have been reported in association with NEC.
- Bacteriophages are crucial for gut microbiome development, but their specific role in NEC pathogenesis is unclear.
- Current understanding of the neonatal virome and its contribution to NEC is limited.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of the gut virome, including bacteriophages, in NEC.
- Next-generation metagenomic tools are essential for advancing our understanding of viral diversity in neonatal health and disease.
- Investigating inter-kingdom microbial interactions may reveal new insights into NEC prevention and treatment.
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