Defining the intestinal microbiota in premature neonates: Follow-up
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Microbiota of the Premature Neonatal Gastrointestinal Tract: its development from birth to early childhood.
IRAS ID
129550
Contact name
J Simon Kroll
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Research summary
The adult gastrointestinal microbiota (all the bacteria in the gut) is established by around two years of age. Different patterns of gastrointestinal microbiota have been identified; with different bacteria predominating in one compared to another which may be associated with developing conditions such as allergies or obesity. While there are studies describing the development of the gastrointestinal microbiota in the first years of life in term infants, this has not been done in those born prematurely. The strikingly different early life experience of antibiotic usage and infant feeding in these infants may have a long-term impact on the mature microbiota.
In a study nearing completion (REC ref 10/H0711/39) we have been characterizing the gastrointestinal microbiota in premature infants (<32 weeks) admitted to the Imperial College NHS NICU from birth until discharge. By using new molecular techniques we could define the population of bacteria in the faecal samples. We have collected over 13,000 samples, many of which are from babies who had a straightforward neonatal admission.
Now we propose characterizing the gastrointestinal microbiota in the original study participants as they reach approximately two and a half years old using similar methods. Samples will be collected by the parents and posted to the research team. Combining this ‘later microbiota’ data with data from our previous study will allow us to ascertain whether, and if so how, the initial microbiota influences the ‘adult-type’ microbiota in ex-premature infants. The study will be controlled by comparing data with that obtained from a parallel microbiota study carried out by our group (REC ref 12A/L0/1362) studying healthy term infants. Results have implications for future health if predictors of the ‘adult-type’ microbiota can be identified from early neonatal samples, and if with suitable dietary advice the developing microbiota can be influenced for the better.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0693
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion