Abstract

Appropriate colonization of the gastrointestinal tract is especially important to keep homeostasis of the whole organism. Gut microbiota induces maturation of the intestinal epithelium, influences development and maturation of lymphoid tissue of the digestive system. It strengthens and maintains intestinal mucosal integrity, stimulates acquisition of oral tolerance and activates gut immune defense.

Factors contributing to gut colonization of newborns are presented in the article. The mode of delivery is mentioned as one of the most significant elements. The mode of feeding (natural of artificial), necessity of antibiotic treatment and prolonged stay in hospital are the other factors.

Cesarean delivery disrupts appropriate gut colonization.

Facing the increasing rate of cesarean deliveries, it is emphasized that the intestinal flora of infants delivered by cesarean sections differs from the microbiota of vaginal-delivered newborns.
A delayed onset in colonization of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species and the reduced amount of bacteria are observed. Alteration of the flora composition in newborns delivered by cesarean section is associated with more frequent appearance of diarrhea, allergic diseases and in later childhood and adulthood celiac disease, diabetes type I, enteric inflammatory diseases.

Adres: dr n. med. Iwona Jańczewska
Klinika Neonatologii GUMed
ul. Kliniczna 1 A, 80-402 Gdańsk
e-mail: ijan@gumed.edu.pl