Spontaneous preterm delivery is reflected in both early neonatal and maternal gut microbiota

Abstract

Background Aberrant gut microbiota composition in preterm neonates is linked to adverse health consequences. Little is known about the impact of perinatal factors or maternal gut microbiota on initial preterm gut colonization. Methods Fecal samples were collected from 55 preterm neonates (<35 gestational weeks), 51 mothers, and 25 full-term neonates during the first 3–4 postpartum days. Gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Results Preterm neonates exhibited significantly lower gut microbiota alpha diversity and distinct beta diversity clustering compared to term neonates. Spontaneous preterm birth was associated with distinct initial gut microbiota beta diversity as compared to iatrogenic delivery. Gestational age or delivery mode had no impact on the preterm gut microbiota composition. The cause of preterm delivery was also reflected in the maternal gut microbiota composition. The contribution of maternal gut microbiota to initial preterm gut colonization was more pronounced after spontaneous delivery than iatrogenic delivery and not dependent on delivery mode. Conclusions The initial preterm gut microbiota is distinct from term microbiota. Spontaneous preterm birth is reflected in the early neonatal and maternal gut microbiota. Transmission of gut microbes from mother to neonate is determined by spontaneous preterm delivery, but not by mode of birth. Impact The initial gut microbiota in preterm neonates is distinct from those born full term. Spontaneous preterm birth is associated with changes in the gut microbiota composition of both preterm neonates and their mothers. The contribution of the maternal gut microbiota to initial neonatal gut colonization was more pronounced after spontaneous preterm delivery as compared to iatrogenic preterm delivery and not dependent on delivery mode. Our study provides new evidence regarding the early gut colonization patterns in preterm infants. Altered preterm gut microbiota has been linked to adverse health consequences and may provide a target for early intervention.

Identifying single-strain growth patterns of human gut microbes in response to preterm human milk and formula

“…73 The gut microbiota of preterm infants can harbor varying levels of pathobionts linked to NEC and late-onset sepsis such Klebsiella and Enterococcus spp. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Using this approach, we found representative infant gut microbes from the genus Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli exhibit robust growth in the presence of whole preterm human and H. Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 35657 were grown anaerobically at 37 °C in a chemically-defined media (ZMB1) with or without pooled whole preterm breast milk ( pooled from n = 3), preterm formula or full-term formula supplemented with HMOs.…”

“…73 The gut microbiota of preterm infants can harbor varying levels of pathobionts linked to NEC and late-onset sepsis such Klebsiella and Enterococcus spp. 13–18…”

“…and exhibit a wider variation in microbial constituents when compared to term infants. 5,[13][14][15][16][17][18] Diet is another major driver of the composition of the infant gut microbiota. 1 The intake of human milk is associated with increased Bifidobacteria abundance, while the intake of formula correlates with increased Escherichia, Clostridia, Bacteroides, and Enterobacteriaceae.…”

Physiological Changes and Interactions Between Microbiome and the Host During Pregnancy

“…In addition, the composition of the gut microbiome may be altered by poor dental health or inflammatory bowel disease in a manner linked to an increased risk for spontaneous premature delivery. In one investigation, the beta diversity of the maternal gut microbiota was found to differ between those who delivered preterm and normal deliveries ( Hiltunen et al., 2021 ). In another case, mothers who underwent spontaneous preterm delivery exhibited lower diversity in their gut microbiome, particularly with respect to Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus ( Dahl et al., 2017 ).…”

Female reproductive dysfunctions and the gut microbiota

“…Dahls et al found that mothers delivering prematurely have lower alpha diversity in the gut than term deliveries (Dahl et al 2017). Interestingly, the gut microbiota composition in preterm neonates also differs significantly from that of born at full-term (Hiltunen et al 2022). Additionally, a study analyzing the gut microbiota profiles in IUGR and normal birth weight piglets demonstrated that the metabolome profile in the IUGR piglets was significantly altered in comparison with controls .…”