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Decrease in intestinal microbiome diversity at birth is related to moderate and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in
Xin Fu1, Yan Fang Jang2, Dan Dang1
1Department of Neonatology, Children's Medical Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, NO.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
Pediatrics and Neonatology
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have lower gut microbiome diversity. Specific bacteria like Staphylococcus may worsen BPD, offering insights into disease development and potential interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common respiratory complication in premature infants.
- Emerging evidence links the gut microbiome to respiratory health outcomes.
- Understanding the gut microbial landscape in BPD is crucial for premature infant care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the gut microbiome in premature infants with moderate to severe BPD.
- To compare microbial diversity and composition between BPD cases and controls.
- To identify specific microbial taxa associated with BPD severity.
Main Methods:
- Study included preterm infants (gestational age ≤34 weeks) with moderate/severe BPD and controls.
- Stool samples collected at birth and 28 days post-delivery.
- 16S rRNA sequencing used for microbial diversity, taxonomic profiling, and LEfSe analysis.
Main Results:
- Lower alpha diversity observed in BPD infants at birth, particularly in severe BPD cases.
- Increased relative abundance of Staphylococcus in BPD infants; Sphingomonas and Veillonella dominant in controls.
- Severe BPD linked to higher abundance of Bacillales and Oscillospiraceae; shifts noted by 28 days.
Conclusions:
- Reduced intestinal microbiota diversity is associated with moderate and severe BPD.
- Specific bacteria (Staphylococcus, Bacillales) may play a role in BPD pathogenesis.
- Gut microbiome composition in BPD infants is influenced by factors including oxygen exposure and maternal influences.
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