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Influence from the intestinal microbiota of neonate on early child development

Yuan Zhang1,2, Wei Zheng3,4, Xin Yan3,4

  • 1National Research Institute for Family Planning, National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, 100081, China.

BMC Pediatrics
|December 1, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The early life intestinal microbiota composition significantly differs between infants with and without developmental delays. Lower microbial diversity and specific bacterial abundances in neonates may be linked to developmental delays.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Human health

Background:

  • The early-life microbiome significantly influences human development and long-term health.
  • Understanding the neonatal gut microbiota's role in early child development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between neonatal intestinal microbiota and early child development.
  • To explore if gut microbial composition in newborns predicts developmental delays.

Main Methods:

  • A nested case-control study within the Beijing Birth Cohort Study (BBCS).
  • Meconium samples from neonates were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
  • Children were assessed for developmental delays using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ).

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in alpha and beta diversity of intestinal microbiota were observed between children with and without developmental delays.
  • Children with developmental delays exhibited lower microbial diversity.
  • Higher abundances of Serratia, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, and Enterococcus were found in infants with developmental delays.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal intestinal microbiota composition differs significantly between infants with and without developmental delays.
  • Reduced microbial diversity and increased abundance of specific bacteria in early life may be associated with developmental delays.
Abstract

Keywords:
ASQDevelopmentIntestinal microbiotaMeconiumNeonate

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