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Bacterial and fungal viability in the preterm gut: NEC and sepsis

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Christopher StewartORCiD, Dr Clare Lanyon, Dr John Perry, Professor Nicholas EmbletonORCiD, Professor Janet Berrington

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Abstract

Background and aims Evidence suggests that microbial communities in the preterm gut may influence the development of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis. Existing data often neglect fungi and whether bacteria were metabolically active or not. We sought to characterise the bacterial and fungal stool flora of preterm neonates and organism viability and evaluate any associations with NEC and sepsis. Patients 136 stools from 32 patients (< 32 weeks gestation) were collected between birth and day 95. Seven infants developed NEC and 13 sepsis. Methods Stools were analysed by PCR-DGGE for assessment of the total bacterial and fungal communities by analysis of 16S rRNA and 28S rRNA, respectively. In 65 samples (25 infants), the viable (RNA) bacterial and fungal communities were analysed. Analyses were performed to examine the possible effects of demographic or treatment related factors and the development of NEC or sepsis. Results 80 (66 viable) bacterial species were identified overall and 12 fungal (none viable). Total bacterial communities significantly differed between healthy infants and those with NEC or sepsis, with Sphingomonas spp. significantly associated with NEC. Significant drivers of community structure differed based on either total or viable analysis. Antifungal prophylaxis was associated with altered bacterial community and a reduction in bacterial richness was observed in week 4, correlating with high antibiotic exposure. Conclusions Total and viable communities differ in preterm infants, and non-viable fungal species are present in infants on fungal prophylaxis. Exploration of viability and non-bacterial contributors to the total community may increase understanding of NEC and sepsis.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Stewart CJ, Nelson A, Scribbins D, Marrs ECL, Lanyon C, Perry JD, Embleton ND, Cummings SP, Berrington JE

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition

Year: 2013

Volume: 98

Issue: 4

Pages: F298-F303

Print publication date: 20/02/2013

ISSN (print): 1359-2998

ISSN (electronic): 1468-2052

Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2012-302119

DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-302119


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