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Progression of gut microbiome in preterm infants during the first three months

Fangfang Li1, Suet Li Hooi2, Yao Mun Choo3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Scientific Reports
|April 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Early infant gut microbiota development is crucial for immune health. Preterm infants show distinct microbial changes, influenced by factors like gestational age and feeding, impacting disease susceptibility.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Early-life gut microbiota colonization is critical for infant immune system development and long-term health.
  • Clinical practices can disrupt infant gut microbiota, potentially increasing disease susceptibility.
  • Understanding these microbial dynamics is vital for improving infant health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the gut microbiota composition in term and preterm infants during the first three months of life.
  • To identify factors influencing infant gut microbiota development, including gestational age, feeding practices, and medical conditions.
  • To investigate the relationship between gut microbiota diversity and health outcomes in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving 46 term and 23 preterm infants.
  • 16S rRNA gene metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples collected at six timepoints.
  • Analysis of microbial composition in relation to gestational age, postnatal age, feeding, antibiotic exposure, and patent ductus arteriosus.

Main Results:

  • Gestational age significantly impacted meconium microbial composition.
  • Preterm infants showed a more homogeneous gut microbiota with increased Bifidobacterium by one month postnatal age.
  • Beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) increased, while potential pathogens decreased over time.
  • Decreased microbial diversity in preterm infants was linked to exclusive breastfeeding and antibiotic exposure.
  • Preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus had reduced microbial diversity and higher abundances of Streptococcus oralis and mitis.

Conclusions:

  • Gut microbiota composition and diversity in early life are significantly influenced by gestational age and postnatal factors.
  • Preterm infants exhibit unique microbial trajectories that may impact their immune development and health.
  • Targeted interventions supporting healthy gut microbiota colonization in preterm infants may be beneficial for long-term health.

Keywords:
16S amplicon sequencingGut microbiomeMeconiumNICUPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA)Preterm infants

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