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Consequences of host-microbiome interactions in preterm infants

Isabel Erickson1,2, Jessica Tung1,2, Drew J Schwartz1,2,3,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Infection and Immunity
|August 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Disruptions in the gut microbiome of preterm infants increase susceptibility to infections and inflammatory diseases. Understanding this microbiome is crucial for improving neonatal health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal health
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Preterm infants face heightened risks of bacterial infections and inflammatory conditions due to immature immune systems and underdeveloped organs.
  • The gut microbiome plays a critical role in neonatal health, influencing immune development and overall well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the gut microbiome in neonatal health, focusing on preterm infants.
  • To outline how microbiome disruption contributes to adverse clinical outcomes in preterm neonates.
  • To discuss current and future diagnostics and treatments for host-microbiome interactions in early life.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of infant gut microbiome development.
  • Examination of the interplay between the gut microbiome and the developing immune system.
  • Discussion of the role of altered gut composition in common preterm infant diseases.

Main Results:

  • Microbiome development in infants is influenced by various factors, impacting immune system maturation.
  • Perturbations in the preterm infant gut microbiome alter host-microbiome interactions and immune responses.
  • Altered gut composition is linked to increased incidence of sepsis, bacterial infections, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Conclusions:

  • The gut microbiome is integral to preterm infant health, with disruptions leading to significant clinical challenges.
  • Further research into the host-microbiome interface is essential for developing targeted diagnostics and therapeutics.
  • Optimizing the gut microbiome holds promise for improving outcomes in vulnerable preterm populations.

Keywords:
bloodstream infectioninfantmicrobiomesepsisserious bacterial infections

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