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[Dynamics of the establishment of intestinal microflora in healthy full-term newborns]

E P Kozlova, G I Goncharova, L P Semenova

    Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
    |February 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Healthy neonates establish a dominant bifidobacteria population within 8 days. This beneficial gut bacteria may prevent clinical dysbacteriosis despite the presence of some opportunistic pathogens.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Neonatal Health
    • Gut Microbiome Research

    Background:

    • The intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in infant health.
    • Understanding the establishment of the gut microbiome in neonates is essential for identifying potential health issues.
    • The balance of intestinal bacteria, particularly the dominance of beneficial microbes, is key to preventing dysbiosis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the dynamics of intestinal microflora establishment in healthy neonates.
    • To determine the timeline for the prevalence of specific bacterial groups, especially bifidobacteria.
    • To assess the presence of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms in healthy newborns and their potential impact.

    Main Methods:

    • Conducted bacteriological examinations on 79 healthy mature neonates.
    • Performed a total of 223 examinations to track microflora development.
    • Analyzed the composition and prevalence of various bacterial species, including bifidobacteria, E. coli, and staphylococci.

    Main Results:

    • A stable prevalence of bifidobacteria over aerobic bacteria was observed in all neonates by the 8th day after birth.
    • Lactic acid bacteria, streptococci, E. coli, enterococci, and staphylococci were consistently present but in lower proportions.
    • Bacteroids, Proteus, and yeast-like fungi were transiently detected before the establishment of high bifidobacteria levels; conditionally pathogenic microorganisms were found in 19.8% of neonates.

    Conclusions:

    • The rapid establishment of a bifidobacteria-dominant gut microbiota is a key feature of healthy neonatal development.
    • The high prevalence of bifidobacteria appears to prevent the clinical manifestation of dysbacteriosis, even in the presence of some opportunistic pathogens.
    • This study highlights the importance of bifidobacteria in maintaining a healthy intestinal environment in newborns.

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