BackgroundThis case-control study investigated an association between breast milk jaundice (BMJ) and infants’ gut microbiome. The study included determination of the diversity of the gut microbiome and identification of bacterial genera associated with BMJ.MethodsThe study population consisted of 12 infants with BMJ and 22 breastfed infants without jaundice (control). DNA collected from feces was analyzed by PCR amplification and 1% agarose gel electrophoresis, and then sequenced with a MiSeq system. Relative quantification bioinformatics was employed to analyze the DNA sequencing data. An Illumina high-throughput sequencing platform was used to analyze 16S rRNA variable (V) regions V3 and V4 in stool samples. ResultsIn the control group, the proportion of Escherichia/Shigella (genus level) in the gut microbiome (64.67%) was significantly higher than that of the BMJ group. However, the prevalence of Bifidobacterium or Enterococcus in the gut microbiome of the two groups was similar. The Simpson index indicated that the diversity of the bacterial population in the BMJ infants was significantly narrower than in the normal infants.ConclusionThe prevalence of Escherichia/Shigella in the gut of breastfed infants is important for lowering BMJ development.
Significance and Impact of the Study: The exact aetiology of breast milk jaundice (BMJ) remains unclear. Some researchers have hypothesized that gut microbiota may be involved in the development of BMJ. Our study indicated that maybe BMJ can be prevented by modulating the intestinal bacteria.
Objective To investigate the changes in the diversity and dynamics of intestinal microflora in patients with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a single center in China. Methods In this prospective study conducted between 2016 and 2019, feces were collected from 28 neonates with NEC and 30 control neonates to analyze the species richness and Shannon’s diversity index of the bands, which were also sequenced via PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Results The species richness and Shannon’s diversity index were significantly lower in the NEC group than in the control group, indicating that the diversity of intestinal flora was reduced in NEC. The numbers of samples positive for Bacteroides and Klebsiella were higher in the NEC group, whereas Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus were less frequently detected in patients with NEC than in controls. The prevalence of intestinal bacteria normalized after the resolution of NEC. Conclusion The decrease of intestinal flora diversity in neonates with NEC, especially the decreased prevalence of probiotic bacteria, may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of NEC.
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