Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Colibactin genes are highly prevalent in the developing infant gut microbiome
Shira Levy1, Kathryn E McCauley2, Rachel Strength1
1Clinical Microbiome Unit, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Colibactin-producing gut bacteria (pks+) are common in infants, potentially increasing colorectal cancer risk. Further research is needed to understand how early-life carriage leads to mutations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Colibactin-producing bacteria (pks+) are implicated in colorectal cancer development.
- Early-life gut microbiome composition is critical for long-term health.
- The role of early-life bacterial exposure in cancer etiology is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pks+ bacteria in infants.
- To assess the potential link between early-life pks+ carriage and colorectal cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gut bacteria in infant samples.
- Prevalence studies of pks+ bacteria in early life.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of infants studied carried pks+ bacteria within the first two years of life.
- High prevalence suggests early-life carriage may be a normal aspect of microbiome development.
Conclusions:
- Early-life carriage of pks+ bacteria is common in infants.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms by which this carriage may lead to mutagenesis and increase colorectal cancer risk.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Bacterial Phylum Firmicutes
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria

