Gut microbial colonisation in premature neonates predicts neonatal sepsis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neonatal sepsis due to intestinal bacterial translocation is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Understanding microbial colonisation of the gut in prematurity may predict risk of sepsis to guide future strategies to manipulate the microbiome.

Methods

Prospective longitudinal study of premature infants. Stool samples were obtained weekly. DNA was extracted and the V6 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA was amplified followed by high throughput pyrosequencing, comparing subjects with and without sepsis.

Results

Six neonates were 24-27 weeks gestation at birth and had 18 samples analysed. Two subjects had no sepsis during the study period, two developed late-onset culture-positive sepsis and two had culture-negative systemic inflammation. 324 350 sequences

SUBMITTER: Madan JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3724360 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature