Impact of Delivery Mode on Infant Gut Microbiota

Microbial colonization of the neonate is an important feature normal birth. The gut microbiota has a central role in programming host’s metabolism and immune function, with both immediate long-term health consequences. During vaginal birth, infant exposed to diverse maternal microbes, which specific faecal microbes colonize infant’s gut. C-section eliminates contact preventing vertical transmission microbes. Consequently, infants are colonized by bacteria from environment, including potential pathogens hospital environment. Recent studies have shown that intrapartum antibiotic exposure C-section-like effect on microbiota. While composition largely normalizes during first year life, epidemiological suggest aberrant early microbial exposures immunological metabolic Because high prevalence procedures prevent development, effective methods normalize neonates urgently needed. Even more importantly, attention should be paid imbalance C-section-born antibiotic-exposed clinical practice. Breastfeeding probiotics particularly for disrupted colonization.