Latest news with #Bifidobacteriumlongum
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
How a baby's gut bacteria could help fight off viral infections later
Did you know that the mix of bacteria in a baby's gut right after birth might actually protect them from getting sick with viral infections in early childhood? Sounds wild, but that's exactly what some new research from the UK is showing. The study, done by scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and University College London (UCL), suggests that certain gut bacteria babies pick up in their first week could lower their chances of ending up in the hospital with serious respiratory infections in the first two years of life. This is the biggest study of its kind on UK babies' microbiomes — basically, the community of tiny microbes living in their digestive system. The researchers took stool samples from over 1,000 newborns and used whole genome sequencing to figure out what bacteria were hanging out in there. Then, they checked the babies' health records to see who ended up admitted to the hospital with viral lower respiratory tract infections (that's infections in the lungs and airways caused by viruses) before age two. Here's the kicker: babies born vaginally with a specific mix of 'pioneer' bacteria, especially one called Bifidobacterium longum (B. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Direct Shopping From Adidas Franchise Store, Up To 50% Off Original Adidas Shop Now Undo longum), were less likely to need hospital care for these infections. This beneficial bacteria was often found alongside other helpful species like Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bacteroides dorei. So, it looks like these early microbial neighbors might be helping the baby's immune system fight off nasty viruses later on. Why does birth method matter? The study also backed up previous findings that how a baby is born influences their early microbiome. Babies born vaginally usually pick up a different mix of gut bacteria compared to babies born via C-section. Vaginally born babies get exposed to their mom's bacteria passing through the birth canal, which helps seed their gut with beneficial microbes right away. Babies born by C-section don't get that same exposure, so their early gut bacteria profile tends to be different. But interestingly, the study found that not all vaginally born babies had the same protective microbiome — some still had a higher risk of hospital admissions for viral infections. So, birth method is just one piece of the puzzle. What about feeding? The researchers also looked at whether babies were breastfed, formula-fed, or had a mix. Breast milk is known to help develop a healthy gut microbiome, but even after considering feeding type and whether babies took antibiotics, the link between the beneficial bacteria and lower infection risk still held up. Correlation, not causation It's important to keep in mind this is an observational study, which means it shows an association between certain bacteria and lower hospital admissions — but it doesn't prove that those bacteria cause the protection. More research is needed to figure out if these microbes are directly guarding babies against infections, or if something else is at play. Still, the results are exciting because they open the door to new ideas for preventing serious viral infections in kids. Imagine if we could develop targeted probiotics — basically, good bacteria supplements — to give babies a microbial boost and help their immune systems stay strong. Bigger picture: The gut microbiome and future health This study is part of a growing wave of research showing that our gut microbiome plays a huge role in our overall health, especially immune system development. The first month of life seems like a critical window to set up a healthy gut ecosystem, which might influence how well babies handle infections and other health issues later on. The team behind the study is now gearing up for an even bigger project called the Microbes, Milk, Mental Health and Me (4M) study. This will look at how early microbiomes affect a whole range of health outcomes, not just respiratory infections. Experts weigh in Dr. Cristina Garcia-Mauriño, the lead author at UCL, told Medical Express, viral respiratory infections are a major reason kids get hospitalized, so finding ways to reduce this risk is huge. She highlighted how this study raises the idea that some babies' gut bacteria could be part of that protective shield. Professor Nigel Field from UCL, who co-leads the 4M project, called the findings 'striking and new.' He pointed out that combining genome technology with health records made it possible to uncover these associations — and bigger studies are needed to understand how our microbiomes and health really interact. Professor Louise Kenny, who wasn't part of this study but is an expert on childbirth and child health, stressed that C-sections save lives and that birth choices are complex. She said this study shows not every vaginally born baby has the same gut bacteria or infection risk, meaning other factors matter too. More research will help create personalized advice for moms and babies. Dr. Trevor Lawley from the Sanger Institute, also a co-lead on 4M, shared how our microbiome develops rapidly in those first few days and adapts as we grow. He's excited about the potential to design probiotics tailored to a baby's unique microbiome to promote health. Babies' gut bacteria aren't just tiny passengers — they could be playing a major role in protecting kids from some serious viral infections during their early years. While we're still figuring out the details, this research shines a light on the importance of early microbial development and opens exciting possibilities for future infant health interventions. So next time you think about baby gut health, remember: those little microbes might just be superheroes in disguise. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
First bacteria we ever meet can keep us out of hospital
The first bacteria our bodies meet – in the hours after we're born – could protect us from dangerous infections, UK scientists say. They have shown, for the first time, that good bacteria seem to halve the risk of young children being admitted to hospital with lung infections. The researchers said it was a "phenomenal" finding and could lead to therapies that boost good bacteria in babies. Our early encounters with microbes are thought to be crucial in how our immune system develops. We come out of the womb sterile, but this doesn't last for long. All the nooks and crannies of the human body become home to a world of microbial life, known as the microbiome. More than half your body is not human Microbiome podcast: The Second Genome Researchers at University College London and the Sanger Institute investigated the earliest stages in our body's colonisation by bacteria, fungi and more. They collected stool samples from 1,082 newborns in the first week of life. The team then performed a massive genetic analysis on all the DNA in the samples to work out exactly which species were present and how common they were in each child. They then tracked what happened to those babies, using hospital data, for the next two years. One particular early inhabitant of the human body, Bifidobacterium longum, seemed to have a protective effect. Only 4% of babies with this species would spend a night in hospital with a lung infection over the next two years. Babies with different starter-bacteria were two-to-three times more likely to need to stay in hospital. It is the first data to show the formation of the microbiome affects the risk of infection. "I think it's really phenomenal. It's amazing to be able to show this. I'm excited," Prof Nigel Field, from UCL, told the BBC. The most likely culprit for children ending up in hospital is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but what joins the dots between this and B. longum? That is the "million dollar question" for Prof Field. We know B. longum starts off digesting breast milk which both contains food for the baby and encourages good bacteria. The exact details have not yet been worked out, but either the bacteria themselves or the compounds they make by digesting food are interacting with the immune system "and are influencing the way in which the immune system matures and is able to recognise friend from foe," according to Prof Field. The protective bacteria were found only in babies that came into the world via a vaginal delivery rather than a caesarean. Even then they were not discovered after every vaginal delivery. The researchers say their findings do not justify the practice of vaginal seeding, where some new parents smear babies with a swab taken from the vagina. How method of birth alters babies' bacteria The good bacteria seem to be coming from the end of the mother's digestive system, an idea known in the field as the "first lick". "I feel pretty confident in saying that vaginal seeding is not a good thing," said Prof Field. However, the long-term ambition is to come up with microbial therapies – like a probiotic yogurt – that could be given to babies to set their microbiomes on a healthy path. Prof Louise Kenny, from the University of Liverpool and a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, said: "A caesarean section is often a life-saving procedure, and can be the right choice for a woman and her baby." She said that while the benefit was seen only in babies born vaginally, it was not in every child born that way so "further research is needed to create a full, nuanced picture".
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
First bacteria we ever meet can keep us out of hospital
The first bacteria our bodies meet – in the hours after we're born – could protect us from dangerous infections, UK scientists say. They have shown, for the first time, that good bacteria seem to halve the risk of young children being admitted to hospital with lung infections. The researchers said it was a "phenomenal" finding and could lead to therapies that boost good bacteria in babies. Our early encounters with microbes are thought to be crucial in how our immune system develops. We come out of the womb sterile, but this doesn't last for long. All the nooks and crannies of the human body become home to a world of microbial life, known as the microbiome. More than half your body is not human Microbiome podcast: The Second Genome Researchers at University College London and the Sanger Institute investigated the earliest stages in our body's colonisation by bacteria, fungi and more. They collected stool samples from 1,082 newborns in the first week of life. The team then performed a massive genetic analysis on all the DNA in the samples to work out exactly which species were present and how common they were in each child. They then tracked what happened to those babies, using hospital data, for the next two years. One particular early inhabitant of the human body, Bifidobacterium longum, seemed to have a protective effect. Only 4% of babies with this species would spend a night in hospital with a lung infection over the next two years. Babies with different starter-bacteria were two-to-three times more likely to need to stay in hospital. It is the first data to show the formation of the microbiome affects the risk of infection. "I think it's really phenomenal. It's amazing to be able to show this. I'm excited," Prof Nigel Field, from UCL, told the BBC. The most likely culprit for children ending up in hospital is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but what joins the dots between this and B. longum? That is the "million dollar question" for Prof Field. We know B. longum starts off digesting breast milk which both contains food for the baby and encourages good bacteria. The exact details have not yet been worked out, but either the bacteria themselves or the compounds they make by digesting food are interacting with the immune system "and are influencing the way in which the immune system matures and is able to recognise friend from foe," according to Prof Field. The protective bacteria were found only in babies that came into the world via a vaginal delivery rather than a caesarean. Even then they were not discovered after every vaginal delivery. The researchers say their findings do not justify the practice of vaginal seeding, where some new parents smear babies with a swab taken from the vagina. How method of birth alters babies' bacteria The good bacteria seem to be coming from the end of the mother's digestive system, an idea known in the field as the "first lick". "I feel pretty confident in saying that vaginal seeding is not a good thing," said Prof Field. However, the long-term ambition is to come up with microbial therapies – like a probiotic yogurt – that could be given to babies to set their microbiomes on a healthy path. Prof Louise Kenny, from the University of Liverpool and a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, said: "A caesarean section is often a life-saving procedure, and can be the right choice for a woman and her baby." She said that while the benefit was seen only in babies born vaginally, it was not in every child born that way so "further research is needed to create a full, nuanced picture".
