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Necrotizing Enterocolitis and the Preterm Infant Microbiome

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Probiotics and Child Gastrointestinal Health

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AMIDPH,volume 1125))

Abstract

Bacterial colonization patterns in preterm infants differ from those of their term counterparts due to maternal microbial diversity, delivery mode, feeding methods, antibiotic use, and exposure to commensal microbiota and pathogens in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Early gut microbiome dysbiosis predisposes neonates to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating intestinal disease with high morbidity and mortality. Though mechanisms of NEC pathogenesis are not fully understood, the microbiome is a promising therapy target for prevention and treatment. Direct administration of probiotics to preterm infants has been shown to reduce the incidence of NEC, but is not without risk. The immature immune systems of preterm infants leave them vulnerable to even beneficial bacteria. Further research is required to investigate both short-term and long-term effects of probiotic administration to preterm infants. Other methods of altering the preterm infant microbiome must also be considered, including breastfeeding, prebiotics, and targeting the maternal microbiome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Jillian R. Baranowski

  2. Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

    Erika C. Claud

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  1. Jillian R. Baranowski
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  2. Erika C. Claud
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Correspondence to Erika C. Claud .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Stefano Guandalini

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Giovanni XXI, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Amendola, Bari, Italy

    Flavia Indrio

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Baranowski, J.R., Claud, E.C. (2019). Necrotizing Enterocolitis and the Preterm Infant Microbiome. In: Guandalini, S., Indrio, F. (eds) Probiotics and Child Gastrointestinal Health. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology(), vol 1125. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/5584_2018_313

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