Maternal Psychosocial Stress Is Associated with Reduced Diversity in the Early Infant Gut Microbiome.

ABSTRACT: The developing infant gut microbiome is highly sensitive to environmental exposures, enabling its evolution into an organ that supports the immune system, confers protection from infection, and facilitates optimal gut and central nervous system function. In this study, we focus on the impact of maternal psychosocial stress on the infant gut microbiome. Forty-seven mother-infant dyads were recruited at the HEAL Africa Hospital in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Extensive medical, demographic, and psychosocial stress data were collected at birth, and infant stool samples were collected at six weeks, three months, and six months. A composite maternal psychosocial stress score was created, based on eight questionnaires to capture a diverse range of stress exposures. Full-length 16S rRNA ge

SUBMITTER: Dutton CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10142543 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature