Intestinal microbiota features of children born by cesarean section and its correction

Abstract

Introduction. Studying the gut microbiota of C-section newborns and its correction is a topical problem at present.Aim. To study the process of gut microbiota formation in healthy C-section infants, and the option for its correction using a Lactobacillus reuteri strain DSM 17938 probiotic.Materials and methods. A total of 80 healthy newborns were included in the study. Of these, 59 completed the study: the treatment group consisted of 36 elective caesarean (EC)-section infants and the control group was made up of 23 vaginally delivered infants. Newborns of the treatment study group were randomized into subgroups, one of which received the L. reuteri strain DSM 17938 (L subgroup) probiotic, and the second one did not receive it (0 subgroup). During the entire period of the study, infants were exclusively breastfed. The gut microbiota was analysed with the 16S rRNA sequencing method, and the metabolic activity of the gut microbiota was additionally assessed using gas-liquid chromatography.Results and discussion. The metagenomic analysis showed that the taxonomic richness and biological diversity of the gut microbiota in L subgroup infants increased in time interval 3, which indicated the active effect of the strain on the infant microbiota by Exposure Day 30. The gas-liquid chromatography analysis showed more pronounced changes in short-chain fatty acids in infants of the L subgroup: they were more similar to the findings in the control group (vaginal delivery). Also, bowel problems and allergies occurred less frequently in infants of this subgroup and they less frequently suffered from respiratory diseases during the year. The study showed the association between the mode of delivery and changes in anthropometric measurements.Conclusion. The use of L. reuteri strain DSM 17938 probiotic had a significant effect on the formation of the microbiota by the 30th day of age. A daily long-term addition of a L. reuteri strain DSM 17938 probiotic can prevent early microbiota dysbiosis and have a protective effect in later age period.