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Updated: May 16, 2025
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Birth and household exposures are associated with changes to skin bacterial communities during infancy
Melissa B Manus1,2, Maria Luisa Savo Sardaro2,3, Omolola Dada2
1Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Background And Objectives:
Microbial exposures during infancy shape the development of the microbiome, the collection of microbes living in and on the body, which in turn directs immune system training. Newborns acquire a substantial quantity of microbes during birth and throughout infancy via exposure to microbes in the physical and social environment. Alterations to early life microbial environments may give rise to mismatches, where environmental, cultural and behavioral changes that outpace the body's adaptive responses can lead to adverse health outcomes, particularly those related to microbiome development and immune system regulation.
Methods:
This study explored the development of the skin microbiome among infants born in Chicago, USA. We collected skin swab microbiome samples from 22 mother-infant dyads during the first 48 h of life and again at 6 weeks postpartum. Mothers provided information about social environments and hygiene behaviors that may impact infants' microbial exposures.
Results:
Analysis of amplicon bacterial gene sequencing data revealed correlations between infant skin bacterial abundances shortly after birth and factors such as antibiotic exposure and receiving a bath in the hospital. The composition of the infant microbiome at 6 weeks of age was associated with interactions with caregivers and infant feeding practices. We also found shifts in maternal skin microbiomes that may reflect increased hygiene practices in the hospital.
Conclusions And Implications:
Our data suggest that factors related to the birth and household environment can impact the development of infant skin microbiomes and point to practices that may produce mismatches for the infant microbiome and immune system.
Insights
Early life microbial exposures significantly influence infant skin microbiome development. Factors like antibiotic use, bathing, and caregiver interactions shape these crucial early-life microbial communities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infant microbial exposures during birth and early life are critical for immune system development.
- Early life microbial environments shape the infant microbiome, influencing long-term health.
- Environmental, cultural, and behavioral changes can disrupt microbial exposures, leading to adverse health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of the skin microbiome in infants.
- To identify factors influencing infant skin microbiome composition in the early postpartum period.
- To explore the relationship between the infant microbiome and maternal/environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Collection of skin swab samples from 22 mother-infant dyads within 48 hours of birth and at 6 weeks postpartum.
- Analysis of amplicon bacterial gene sequencing data.
- Mothers provided data on social environments and hygiene behaviors.
Main Results:
- Infant skin bacterial abundances shortly after birth correlated with antibiotic exposure and hospital bathing.
- Infant microbiome composition at 6 weeks was associated with caregiver interactions and feeding practices.
- Maternal skin microbiomes showed shifts potentially linked to hospital hygiene practices.
Conclusions:
- Birth and household environments significantly impact infant skin microbiome development.
- Certain practices may create mismatches in the infant microbiome, affecting immune system regulation.
- Understanding early microbial exposures is key to promoting healthy microbiome development and immune function.
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