Development of the Human Infant Intestinal Microbiota
Author Information
Author(s): Chana Palmer, Elisabeth M. Bik, Daniel B. DiGiulio, David A. Relman, Patrick O. Brown
Primary Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What factors influence the composition and development of the infant gut microbiota?
Conclusion
The study found that while the microbial communities in infants varied widely, they converged towards an adult-like profile by the end of the first year.
Supporting Evidence
- The microbial communities in infants varied widely from baby to baby.
- By the end of the first year, the microbial ecosystems in each baby had converged toward a profile characteristic of the adult gastrointestinal tract.
- The distinct features of each baby's microbial community were recognizable for intervals of weeks to months.
- The strikingly parallel temporal patterns of the twins suggested that environmental exposures play a major role in determining the characteristics of the microbial community.
Takeaway
When babies are born, their guts are empty, but over the first year, they fill up with different types of tiny living things called microbes, which help them grow and stay healthy.
Methodology
The study used a microarray to detect and quantify bacterial RNA sequences in stool samples from infants and their mothers.
Limitations
The study focused only on healthy, full-term infants, which may not represent all populations.
Participant Demographics
14 healthy, full-term infants, including a pair of dizygotic twins.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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