Abstract:
The gut microbiome is a dynamic environment, seeded during infancy, that stimulates the immune response and supports healthy human development. The microbial flora in the newborn's gut is influenced by many factors, including maternal microbiota, mode of delivery (cesarean vs. vaginal birth), diet (breastfeeding vs. formula feeding), and gestational age.
Preterm infants have an immature gut characterized by poor mucosal immunity and often have disturbances that interfere with the maturation of the gut microbial flora.
After a premature infant died in hospital in the USA in October 2023 following the administration of dietary supplements containing Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis EVC001, reactions from scientific societies and international medical organizations were not long in coming. What raised concern was that the premature infant had developed sepsis with the Bifidobacterium longum strain itself.
The use of probiotics in neonatology wards has become increasingly common in recent years, even in Romania, as numerous studies have shown benefits for newborns. The most common use in premature babies is to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis. Although several products containing probiotics are currently available, only some are supported by studies in premature newborns. Therefore, caution is advised when using these products. Moreover, there is no international consensus on the routine use of probiotics in newborns.
