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In a groundbreaking study published in Cell Host & Microbe on June 12, researchers highlight the crucial role that fathers play in shaping the microbiota of newborns, alongside confirming the benefits of maternal fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) for infants born via caesarean section.
The conventional understanding has focused on maternal influence over a newborn’s gut microbiota. However, this new research, led by Willem M. de Vos from Wageningen University and the University of Helsinki, emphasizes that fathers also significantly contribute to the microbial composition of their babies’ gastrointestinal tracts. “The role of the father may be modest, but it’s certainly impactful,” de Vos explained, underscoring the broader implications for familial and social interactions on infant health.
Maternal FMT has emerged as a pivotal intervention for infants born via caesarean section, aiming to rectify microbiota disturbances typical in these births. Previous studies by de Vos and colleagues demonstrated that early exposure to maternal microbiota can normalize microbial profiles in newborns, aligning them more closely with those born vaginally.
“This study provides profound insights into neonatal colonization,” stated Nicola Segata of the University of Trento, a co-author on the study. Computational analyses conducted by Segata’s team supported the findings, highlighting the importance of studying contributions from various family members beyond just the mother.
The research involved metagenomic analyses of fecal samples from newborns and their parents, tracking bacterial strains over time. Notably, the study revealed that many microbial strains found in infants originated from their fathers, challenging previous assumptions about maternal dominance in microbiome seeding. This includes strains like Bifidobacterium longum, crucial for infant health due to their role in digesting breast milk.
The team’s longitudinal study followed 73 infants, observing microbiota dynamics from birth up to a year. Comparisons between infants born via caesarean section and vaginally highlighted significant differences influenced by birth mode and familial microbial contributions.
Further reinforcing these findings, a concurrent study in Cell Host & Microbe explored how birth settings, whether home or hospital, influence microbiota transmission. Despite these variations, certain beneficial strains like Bifidobacterium longum were consistently transmitted, irrespective of birth environment.
Supported by multiple research grants, including funding from the European Research Council and the National Institutes of Health, these studies underscore the critical need to understand and optimize early microbial colonization in infants. Ongoing trials, including a double-blind placebo-controlled study on maternal FMT (trial NCT04173208), promise further insights into long-term health impacts beyond microbiota composition.
The findings not only redefine our understanding of early microbial colonization but also advocate for broader involvement of fathers and other family members in promoting infant gut health through supportive interactions and microbial contributions.
This research marks a significant step forward in neonatal care, paving the way for targeted interventions that harness familial microbiota to foster healthier beginnings for infants worldwide.
