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Related Concept Videos

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
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Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

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Published on: January 27, 2019

Maternal Prebiotic Supplementation Modifies Associations Between Intrapartum Antibiotics and Infant Allergy.

Summer V M Walker1,2, Thomas R Sullivan3,4, Rachelle A Pretorius1,5,6

  • 1The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.

Allergy
|July 14, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Maternal prebiotic supplementation during pregnancy may protect infants from allergies linked to intrapartum antibiotics. This intervention reduced risks of sensitization, food allergy, and eczema in infants exposed to antibiotics around birth.

Keywords:
allergy preventionantibioticsatopic eczemafood allergyprebiotics

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Published on: June 24, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
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Published on: January 27, 2019

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

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A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Allergy and immunology
  • Nutritional science

Background:

  • Antibiotics can disrupt infant gut microbiota and increase allergy risk.
  • Prebiotics promote beneficial gut bacteria, potentially counteracting antibiotic effects.
  • Understanding the interplay between maternal antibiotic exposure, prebiotics, and infant allergies is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if maternal antibiotic use (pre-, during, or post-birth) impacts infant allergy risk.
  • To determine if maternal prebiotic supplementation modifies this risk.
  • To assess allergy outcomes like sensitization, food allergy, and eczema by age one.

Main Methods:

  • Mothers received prebiotics (galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides) or placebo from mid-gestation to 6 months postpartum.
  • Maternal and infant antibiotic use was tracked monthly.
  • Infant allergic diseases were assessed at one year of age in a cohort with a family history of allergy.

Main Results:

  • Intrapartum antibiotic exposure in mothers not taking prebiotics increased infant risks of allergen sensitization, IgE-mediated food allergy, and atopic eczema.
  • Maternal prebiotic supplementation negated these increased risks associated with intrapartum antibiotics.
  • Antibiotic use during other intervention periods showed no significant association with infant allergy outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal prebiotic intake appears to mitigate infant allergy risks associated with intrapartum antibiotic exposure.
  • Prebiotic interventions during the intrapartum period may be a promising strategy for allergy prevention.
  • Further research in allergy prevention trials should focus on optimizing maternal prebiotic supplementation.