Paediatrics - The infant Microbiome Flashcards
(25 cards)
Why is establishing the infant microbiome in the first month of life important?
It reduces risks of obesity, Type II diabetes, and chronic inflammatory diseases, and supports nervous system and immune development.
What are benefits of high microbiome diversity in infants?
Healthy brain and nervous system development, appropriate immune stimulation, better vaccine responses.
How is the infant microbiome established?
Prenatally (in utero), during delivery, and postnatally via environment and breastfeeding.
What are the benefits of vaginal birth for infant microbiome?
Transmission of mother’s microbiota including Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus; higher diversity.
How does caesarean delivery affect the infant microbiome?
Avoids vaginal/rectal microbiota exposure; linked to lower Bifidobacterium and higher Clostridium and Staphylococcus levels.
What interventions can help caesarean-born infants’ microbiome?
Optimise maternal microbiota before birth, probiotics post-delivery, and consider vaginal seeding if microbiome is healthy.
How might assisted birth affect breastfeeding?
Pressure on cranial bones and nerves (e.g., hypoglossal) may interfere with latch and suck reflexes.
What are Bacteroides spp. known for?
SCFA production and support of Peyer’s patches development.
What functions are supported by Bifidobacterium spp.?
Lactose digestion, intestinal wall integrity, innate immunity, peristalsis, antimicrobial compound production.
Which vitamins are produced by B. bifidum and B. infantis?
Thiamine, folate, biotin, nicotinic acid.
Which vitamins are produced by B. breve and B. longum?
Riboflavin, pyridoxine, cobalamin, ascorbate.
How does breastmilk support infant microbiome?
Through colonisation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. translocated from maternal gut via immune cells.
How is the breastmilk microbiome formed?
Dendritic cells sample GI microbes and macrophages carry them to breast tissue via lymph.
Why is a diverse microbiome important for neurodevelopment?
It supports development of CNS and ENS and regulates HPA-axis stress response.
What can happen if microbiota isn’t properly established in infancy?
Underdeveloped myenteric plexus and heightened stress response.
What is the critical window for gut-brain axis development?
Birth to 3 years.
How does microbiota affect temperament?
High Bifidobacterium and Lachnospiraceae → positive temperament; Klebsiella and Ruminococcus-1 → negative.
How does microbiota affect cognition?
High Bacteroides spp. from 4–12 months improves language and cognitive scores at ages 1–2.
Why are infants born Th2 dominant?
It’s part of their immature immune system; microbiome helps balance immune function.
What does Th2 dominance cause?
Increased IgE production and allergy sensitivity.
How does microbiota impact infant immunity?
It prevents gut/systemic inflammation and reduces dysbiosis through beneficial metabolites.
What are good prebiotics for infants and children?
Breastmilk, colostrum, vegetables, lentils, legumes, fermented foods.
How can probiotics be administered to infants 0–4 months?
Via maternal supplementation, nipple application, or rubbing powder inside mouth.
What probiotic strains are suitable for infants?
Bifidobacterium spp., especially when digestion is immature or microbiota undeveloped.
