Abstract
BackgroundStudies have suggested that demographic and lifestyle factors could shape the composition of fecal microbiota in early life. This study evaluated infant stool microbiota signatures in two Asian populations, Singapore (n = 42) and Indonesia (n = 32) with contrasting socioeconomic development, and examined the putative influences of demographic factors on these human fecal associated bacterial signatures.ResultsLongitudinal analysis showed associations of geographical origin with Clostridium leptum, Atopobium and Bifidobacterium groups. Mode of delivery had the largest effect on stool microbiota signatures influencing the abundance of four bacterial groups. Significantly higher abundance of bacterial members belonging to the Bacteroides-Prevotella, Bifidobacterium and Atopobium groups, but lower abundance of Lactobacilli-Enterococci group members, were observed in vaginal delivered compared to caesarean delivered infants. Demographic factors influencing the structure of infants stool microbiota during the first year of life included breastfeeding, age of weaning, sibship size and exposure to antibiotics.ConclusionsDifferences in stool microbiota signatures were observed in relation to various demographic factors. These features may confound studies relating to the association of the structure of fecal microbiota and the predisposition to human modern disease.
Highlights
Studies have suggested that demographic and lifestyle factors could shape the composition of fecal microbiota in early life
Our study aimed to investigate the influence of demographic factors on determining the microbial colonization of the infant colon in two Asian populations, Singapore (SG) and Yogyakarta, Indonesia (IN)
Influence of Demographic and Lifestyle/Clinical Characteristics We comparatively examined the abundances of bacterial groups in relation to demographic factors: geographical origin, mode of delivery, dietary regimen and weaning age, and sibship size
Summary
Studies have suggested that demographic and lifestyle factors could shape the composition of fecal microbiota in early life. This study evaluated infant stool microbiota signatures in two Asian populations, Singapore (n = 42) and Indonesia (n = 32) with contrasting socioeconomic development, and examined the putative influences of demographic factors on these human fecal associated bacterial signatures. The impairment in the systemic immune system is reflected by poorly formed spleen and lymph nodes, hypoplastic Peyer’s patches, reduced levels of secreted IgA and IgG, and lack of expansion of CD4+ T cell populations [2,3]. These mice exhibited cytokine profiles that skewed towards Th2 [2], which is involved in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases. The association with specific gut microbiota signatures and the occurrence of allergy in infants has been reported in studies comparing healthy and allergic infants from different countries [8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
