title: [Early microbial contact and child health].
abstract: Contact with the microbial environment and the developing intestinal microbiota in early childhood is essential for the normal maturation of the immune system. Microbial programming of the immune and metabolic phenotype may begin already before birth. In prospective clinical studies, perturbations in early gut microbiota composition have been associated with the development of chronic conditions including atopic diseases as well as obesity. Birth by caesarean section and early exposure to antibiotic agents may disturb the development of the intestinal microbiota and increase the risk of chronic diseases in later childhood.
authors.forename: Samuli
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rautava
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents