Time-specific bidirectional links between the maternal microbiome, milk composition, and infant gut microbiota

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Maternal and infant health
• Human lactation

Background:

• Early-life gut microbiome development is influenced by maternal and nutritional factors.
• The temporal dynamics and directional interactions between maternal and infant microbiomes are not well understood.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how maternal gut and milk microbiomes, along with milk components, shape infant gut microbiome development in the first six months.
• To explore the temporal relationships and potential bidirectional communication between maternal and infant microbiomes and milk composition.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 152 mother-infant dyads in rural Burkina Faso.
• Analysis of maternal gut and milk microbiomes.
• Quantification of milk components (oligosaccharides and other nutrients).
• Characterization of infant gut microbiome development over the first six months.

Main Results:

• Infant gut microbiomes clustered into three distinct types at 1-2 months: Escherichia-dominated, Bifidobacterium-dominated, and a diverse, pathogen-prevalent profile.
• These early infant gut profiles were associated with maternal prenatal gut microbiota and early milk microbiome and oligosaccharides.
• Later infant gut microbiome variation was linked to other milk nutrients.
• Early infant gut microbiome profiles predicted subsequent milk composition, indicating potential bidirectional signaling.

Conclusions:

• Maternal gut and milk microbiomes, along with milk composition, significantly influence early infant gut microbiome development.
• Bidirectional communication may exist between the infant's gut microbiome and maternal lactational physiology.
• Findings provide insights into early microbial development and inform microbiome-targeted interventions, especially in resource-limited settings.