Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates
Published on: February 17, 2023
Citrobacter and Acinetobacter are respectively involved in feeding intolerance in preterm infants of different
Chunyan Fu1,2, Jinglin Xu1,2, He Wang1,2
1The Graduate School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 35000, Fujian, China.
Insights
Feeding intolerance in preterm infants is linked to specific gut bacteria. Citrobacter and Acinetobacter were elevated in infants with feeding intolerance, while Clostridium XI may play a role in gut health for some preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Feeding intolerance (FI) is a prevalent issue in preterm infants, significantly influenced by gut microbiota composition.
- Understanding these microbial differences is crucial for managing FI and guiding therapeutic interventions like probiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct gut microbiota profiles in preterm infants experiencing feeding intolerance (FI) across different gestational ages.
- To establish a foundation for targeted probiotic interventions based on specific microbial findings.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case-control study involving 80 preterm infants (<34 weeks gestational age) divided into four groups based on gestational age and feeding tolerance.
- 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze fecal microbiota, with statistical analyses to explore associations between gut microbiota, FI, and gestational age.
Main Results:
- Elevated Citrobacter abundance was observed in early preterm infants with FI (<32 weeks) compared to those with feeding tolerance.
- Increased Acinetobacter was found in moderate preterm infants with FI (≥32 weeks) versus those with feeding tolerance.
- Lower abundance of Clostridium XI was noted in moderate preterm infants with feeding tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Citrobacter and Acinetobacter are implicated in feeding intolerance in preterm infants across different gestational age categories.
- Clostridium XI may contribute to maintaining intestinal homeostasis in moderate preterm infants (≥32 weeks).
Background:
Feeding intolerance (FI) is a common feeding problem in preterm infants. The gut microbiota contributes significantly to its onset, progression, and outcome. In this study, we aimed to understand the differences in gut microbiota among preterm infants with FI of different gestational ages. The goal was to provide a basis for early probiotic intervention.
Methods:
We undertook a prospective case-control study in which we enrolled 80 preterm infants at a gestational age < 34 weeks. Participants were divided into four groups of 20 each: early preterm infants with FI (EFI group, gestational age < 32 weeks), early preterm infants with feeding tolerance (FT) (EFT group, gestational age < 32 weeks), moderate preterm infants with FI (MFI group, gestational age ≥ 32 weeks), moderate preterm infants with FT (MFT group, gestational age ≥ 32 weeks). 16 S rDNA high-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze the infants' fecal microbiota and examine the potential link between gut microbiota and gestational age. Statistical analysis was conducted for the collected data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used. T-tests or non-parametric tests were performed for comparison between groups of measurement data, and the χ2 test was used to compare between groups of count data. At the genus and species level, the potential association between intestinal microbiota and FI and the relationship with gestational age were explored.
Results:
The abundance of Citrobacter in the feces of the EFI group was significantly higher than that in the EFT group. Additionally, the abundance of Acinetobacter in the MFI group was significantly higher than that in the MFT group. The abundance of Clostridium XI was significantly low in the MFT group.
Conclusions:
Citrobacter and Acinetobacter genera are implicated in FI in preterm infants with gestational ages < 32 weeks and ≥ 32 weeks, respectively. However, Clostridium XI may be involved in regulating intestinal homeostasis in those with a gestational age ≥ 32 weeks.
Trial Registration:
ChiCTR, ChiCTR2400086000. Registered 24 June 2024, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=210,126 .
