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Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes Ratio as an Early Biomarker for NEC Development in Preterm Infants
Linlin Zhu1, Feng Chen1, Tingting Gao1
1Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|August 24, 2025
Summary
Gut microbiota dysbiosis, indicated by an elevated Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, may predict necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. This finding offers a potential biomarker for early NEC detection and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal microbiome research
- Gastrointestinal disease pathogenesis
- Pediatric critical care
Background:
- Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal condition in preterm infants.
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a suspected contributing factor to NEC development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the development of NEC.
- To identify potential microbial biomarkers for NEC prediction.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of preterm infants (<1500g or <32 weeks gestational age).
- Stool sample collection and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing for microbial analysis.
- Comparison of microbial composition between NEC cases and matched controls.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in microbial composition between NEC cases and controls.
- Increased Proteobacteria abundance and Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes (B/F) ratio at NEC onset.
- Elevated B/F ratio observed one week prior to NEC onset, with high sensitivity and specificity for prediction.
Conclusions:
- An elevated B/F ratio is a potential predictive biomarker for NEC.
- Targeting gut microbiota dysbiosis may offer a strategy for NEC prevention.
- Further research into microbial interventions for NEC is warranted.
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