Perinatal factors affect the gut microbiota up to four years after birth

Fiona Fouhy,Eugene M Dempsey,C Anthony Ryan,Claire Watkins,Brid Nagle,Catherine Stanton,R Paul Ross,Paul W O’Toole,Cian J Hill,Carol-Anne O’Shea

doi:10.1038/s41467-019-09252-4

Abstract

Perinatal factors impact gut microbiota development in early life, however, little is known on the effects of these factors on microbes in later life. Here we sequence DNA from faecal samples of children over the first four years and reveal a perpetual evolution of the gut microbiota during this period. The significant impact of gestational age at birth and delivery mode on gut microbiota progression is evident in the first four years of life, while no measurable effects of antibiotics are found in the first year. Microbiota profiles are also characteristic in children dependant on gestational age and maturity. Full term delivery is characterised by Bacteroides (year one), Parabacteroides (year two) and Christensenellaceae (year four). Preterm delivery is characterised by Lactobacillus (year one), Streptococcus (year two) and Carnobacterium (year four). This study reveals that the gut retains distinct microbial profiles of perinatal factors up to four years of age.

Highlights

Perinatal factors impact gut microbiota development in early life, little is known on the effects of these factors on microbes in later life
Research has shown that PT infants have an altered gut microbiota compared to full term (FT) infants in early life[10], though limited research has been reported on later development of their gut microbiota, which has recently been highlighted as a research priority[19]
We show that perinatal factors including delivery mode and gestational age at birth result in distinct microbial profiles extending to four years of age

Summary

Introduction

Perinatal factors impact gut microbiota development in early life, little is known on the effects of these factors on microbes in later life. Patterns of microbial colonisation in the infant gut have primarily been associated with gestational age at birth, after adjusting for antibiotic exposure, mode of delivery and breastfeeding status, among others[12,16,17]. Many of these PT studies include very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with extended hospital care, thereby exposing the juvenile microbiome to surfaces in the neonatal intensive care unit, which have previously been shown to influence gut microbiota colonisation[18]. We show that perinatal factors including delivery mode and gestational age at birth result in distinct microbial profiles extending to four years of age

Methods

Results

Conclusion