The development of gut microbiota in critically ill extremely low birth weight infants assessed with 16S rRNA gene based sequencing

• DOI: 10.4161/gmic.28849
• Publication Date: 2014-04-10T22:05:41Z
• Authors: Tiina Drell; Irja Lutsar; Jelena Štšepetova; Ülle Parm; Tuuli Metsvaht; Mari-Liis Ilmoja; Jaak Simm; Epp Sepp
• Keywords: Colonisation resistance

Objective: An increasing number of studies that are using high-throughput molecular methods rapidly extending our knowledge gut microbial colonization in preterm infants whose immaturity and requirement for extensive treatment may result altered process. We aimed to describe the profile microbiota 50 extremely low birth weight (<1200 g) critically ill at three different time points during first two months life by 16S rRNA gene specific sequencing. Patients Methods: Stool samples were collected age one week, month months. Bacterial community profiling was done universal amplification 454 pyrosequencing. Results: The diversity neonates week but increased significantly over dominated facultative anaerobic bacteria (Staphylococcus spp. Enterobacteriaceae) lacked with known provide resistance against pathogens (Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) throughout study. Colonization Escherichia coli uncultured Veillionella positively correlated maturity. Infants born mothers chorioamnionitis had higher bacterial than those without. Conclusions: High prevalence abundance potentially pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae Staphylococcaceae providing taxa bifidobacteria, Bacteroides lactobacilli lead high infection risk via translocation from gut. Additionally, data suggest maternal have an effect on infants' microbiota; however, mechanisms involved remain be elucidated.