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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

From microbes to milestones: Gut bacterial abundances and functional pathways associate with neurodevelopment

Kadi Vaher1,2, Aisling Kenny1, Paula Lusarreta Parga3

  • 1Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Gut Microbiology
|July 17, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The early gut microbiome in preterm infants influences neurodevelopment, impacting autistic traits, socio-emotional skills, and executive functions. Specific bacteria and gut-brain signaling pathways are key factors in these long-term outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome Research
  • Neurodevelopmental Science
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • The early life gut microbiome is a potential driver of neurocognitive development.
  • Preterm children face increased risks of gut microbiome disruptions and neurodevelopmental impairment.
  • Evidence linking the gut microbiome to neurodevelopment in preterm infants is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate associations between the neonatal gut microbiome and neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm infants.
  • To identify specific bacterial species and functional pathways in the gut microbiome linked to neurodevelopment.
  • To explore the impact of the gut microbiome on autistic traits, socio-emotional development, and executive functioning.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective birth cohort study of 73 very preterm infants.
  • Shotgun metagenomics analysis of stool samples collected before NICU discharge.
  • Consensus-based analytical approach using multiple methods to ensure robust findings.
  • Comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments at 9 months and 2 years.

Main Results:

  • Consistent associations found between gut bacterial abundances and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Specific species like *Klebsiella* spp. linked to autistic traits.
  • *Enterobacter cloacae* complex and *Veillonella parvula* associated with socio-emotional development and temperament.
  • *Clostridium perfringens* linked to executive functioning.
  • Gut microbiome functional modules in histamine and quinolinic acid metabolism correlated with executive functioning and cognitive-behavioral flexibility.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal gut microbiome composition influences longer-term neurodevelopmental profiles in preterm infants.
  • The gut microbiome plays a significant role in socio-emotional development, autistic traits, and executive functioning.
  • Findings highlight the gut microbiome as a potential therapeutic target for improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children.

Keywords:
Autistic traitsExecutive functioningGut microbiomeMetagenomicsNeurodevelopmentPretermTemperament

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