Spontaneous preterm delivery is reflected in both early neonatal and maternal gut microbiota

Henni Hiltunen; Maria Carmen Collado; Helena Ollila; Terhi Kolari; Satu Tölkkö; Erika Isolauri; Seppo Salminen; Samuli Rautava

doi:10.1038/s41390-021-01663-8

Spontaneous preterm delivery is reflected in both early neonatal and maternal gut microbiota

Pediatr Res. 2022 Jun;91(7):1804-1811. doi: 10.1038/s41390-021-01663-8. Epub 2021 Aug 4.

Authors

Henni Hiltunen^{1

2}, Maria Carmen Collado^{3

4}, Helena Ollila⁵, Terhi Kolari⁶, Satu Tölkkö⁴, Erika Isolauri^{7

8}, Seppo Salminen⁴, Samuli Rautava^{7

8}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. [email protected].
² Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. [email protected].
³ Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain.
⁴ Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
⁵ Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Clinical Research Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
⁶ Department of Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
⁷ Department of Pediatrics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
⁸ Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.

Abstract

Background: Aberrant gut microbiota composition in preterm neonates is linked to adverse health consequences. Little is known about the impact of perinatal factors or maternal gut microbiota on initial preterm gut colonization.

Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 55 preterm neonates (<35 gestational weeks), 51 mothers, and 25 full-term neonates during the first 3-4 postpartum days. Gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.

Results: Preterm neonates exhibited significantly lower gut microbiota alpha diversity and distinct beta diversity clustering compared to term neonates. Spontaneous preterm birth was associated with distinct initial gut microbiota beta diversity as compared to iatrogenic delivery. Gestational age or delivery mode had no impact on the preterm gut microbiota composition. The cause of preterm delivery was also reflected in the maternal gut microbiota composition. The contribution of maternal gut microbiota to initial preterm gut colonization was more pronounced after spontaneous delivery than iatrogenic delivery and not dependent on delivery mode.

Conclusions: The initial preterm gut microbiota is distinct from term microbiota. Spontaneous preterm birth is reflected in the early neonatal and maternal gut microbiota. Transmission of gut microbes from mother to neonate is determined by spontaneous preterm delivery, but not by mode of birth.

Impact: The initial gut microbiota in preterm neonates is distinct from those born full term. Spontaneous preterm birth is associated with changes in the gut microbiota composition of both preterm neonates and their mothers. The contribution of the maternal gut microbiota to initial neonatal gut colonization was more pronounced after spontaneous preterm delivery as compared to iatrogenic preterm delivery and not dependent on delivery mode. Our study provides new evidence regarding the early gut colonization patterns in preterm infants. Altered preterm gut microbiota has been linked to adverse health consequences and may provide a target for early intervention.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Female
Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
Humans
Iatrogenic Disease
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Pregnancy
Premature Birth*
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics

Substances

RNA, Ribosomal, 16S