Bacterial Gut Microflora in Premature Infants

Using molecular methods to analyze the intestinal biome, researchers found that premature infants are colonized with fewer bacterial species than full-term infants.

In full-term infants, intestinal colonization begins on the first day of life, and by day 10, multiple species are detectable, with bifidobacteria predominating (at least in breast-fed infants). In preterm infants, colonization is delayed, and species diversity is more limited, potentially affecting clinical outcomes. Now, researchers have evaluated the composition of bacterial gut microflora in extremely preterm infants, using molecular DNA fingerprinting.

The study involved 29 newborn infants (gestational age, ≤30 weeks) in a single neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in France. Stools were collected every 3 days from day 3 of life until day 56 or NICU discharge. DNA was extracted from the samples, and the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was amplif…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease