Intestinal flora in very low-birth weight infants.
OBJECTIVE
To study the early faecal microbiota in very low-birth weight infants (VLBW, <1500 g), possible associations between faecal microbiota and faecal calprotectin (f-calprotectin) and to describe the faecal microbiota in cases with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) before diagnosis.


METHODS
Stool samples from the first weeks of life were analysed in 48 VLBW infants. Bacterial cultures were performed and f-calprotectin concentrations were measured. In three NEC cases, cultures were performed on stool samples obtained before diagnosis.


RESULTS
Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were often identified in the first stool sample, 55% and 71% of cases, respectively within the first week of life. A positive correlation between lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and volume of enteral feed was found. Other bacteria often identified were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus and Staphyloccus sp. F-calprotectin was not associated with any bacterial species. All NEC cases had an early colonization of LAB. Prior to onset of disease, all cases had a high colonization of non-E. coli Gram-negative species.


CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to the previous studies in VLBW infants, we found an early colonization with LAB. We speculate that this may be due to early feeding of non-pasteurized breast milk.
Björkström
Markus V
MV
Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
Hall
Lina
L
Söderlund
Stina
S
Håkansson
Eva Grahn
EG
Håkansson
Stellan
S
Domellöf
Magnus
M
D017677:Age Distribution; D002175:Candida / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002374:Catalase / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007785:Lactose / Q000096:biosynthesis; D039841:Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / Q000032:analysis; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male
D039841:Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex; D002374:Catalase; D007785:Lactose