Role of the Microbiome in Neonatal Infection: Pathogenesis and Implications for Management.

Sagori Mukhopadhyay, Kyle Bittinger, Carolyn McGann, Riley Phyu

Journal: Clinics in perinatology 2025;52(1):147-166

PMID: 39892949

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Abstract

The human microbiome refers to the collective genome of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses residing on human body surfaces that are in contact with the environment. Together these communities protect against invasive infections. Conversely, when disrupted, the microbiome can be the source of pathogens causing invasive infection. Interventions to manipulate it via probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal transplantation are available. The risk benefit of these interventions remains unclear. In this review, the authors discuss evidence linking the gut microbiome to neonatal sepsis and also discuss the challenges for translating this knowledge into better clinical care.

Address: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.; Department of Clinical Education and Assessment Center, Rown-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, 1 Medical Center Drive Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.10.010

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Infant, Newborn, Probiotics, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, Neonatal Sepsis, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Microbiota