Conditions of Bifidobacterial Colonization in Preterm Infants: A Prospective Analysis

• DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e3180406b20
• Publication Date: 2007-04-20T08:05:12Z
• Authors: Marie‐José Butel; Antonia Suau; Florence Campeotto; Fabien Magne; Julio Aires; Laurent Ferraris; Nicolas Kalach; Bernard Leroux; Christophe Dupont
• Keywords: Necrotizing Enterocolitis; Enterocolitis

Premature birth results in a delayed and abnormal qualitative pattern of gut colonization. This is thought to affect intestinal development contribute higher risk gastrointestinal infectious diseases such as neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In particular, bifidobacteria are play major role. We therefore studied bifidobacterial colonization preterm infants during the first month life.Fecal samples were prospectively analyzed 52 born at gestational age ranging from 30 35 weeks fed with formula alone and, 18, their mother's milk. Fecal collected twice per week hospital stay. Bifidobacterial was culture molecular method.Bifidobacterial occurred 18 median 11 days, always greater than corrected mean 35.4 (SD, 0.9) 34 for 16 18. Colonization by affected neither birthweight nor mode delivery antibiotics given mother or infant. contrast, had significant impact on (P < 0.05), which children 32.9 0.05).Birth seems act determinant premature infant, suggesting role maturation, finding that should probably be taken into account manipulations flora aimed reducing NEC.