Development of the breastfed infant oral microbiome over the first two years of life in the BLOSOM Cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Acquisition and development of the oral microbiome are dynamic processes that occur over early life. This study aimed to characterize the temporal development of the oral microbiome of predominantly breastfed infants during the first two years of life.

Methods

Infant oral samples (n=667) were collected at ten time points from the first week to year two of life from 84 infants. Bacterial DNA profiles were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

The oral microbiome was dominated by Streptococcus mitis, Gemella haemolysans, and Rothia mucilaginosa. Bacterial richness decreased from 1 to 2 months (P = 0.043) and increased from 12 to 24 months (P = 0.038). Shannon diversity increased from 1 week to 1 month and again from

SUBMITTER: Arishi RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12037575 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature