Human gut colonisation may be initiated in utero by distinct microbial communities in the placenta and amniotic fluid

Interaction with intestinal microbes in infancy has a profound impact on health and disease in later life through programming of immune and metabolic pathways. We collected maternal faeces, placenta, amniotic fluid, colostrum, meconium and infant faeces samples from 15 mother-infant pairs in an effort to rigorously investigate prenatal and neonatal microbial transfer and gut colonisation. To ensure sterile sampling, only deliveries at full term by elective caesarean section were studied. Microbiota composition and activity assessment by conventional bacterial culture, 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, quantitative PCR, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed that the placenta and amniotic fluid…

• YJ
  Yrjö Jahnssonin Säätiö
• AO
  Academy of Finland
• GV
  Generalitat Valenciana
• EA
  Emil Aaltosen Säätiö