Abstract
The fecal microbiota of 37 infants with (n = 20) or without (n = 17) probiotic administration was evaluated on D 3, and at 1, 3, and 12 mo by fluorescence in situ hybridization-flow cytometry (FISH-FC), PCR, and bacteriological culture methods. They represent consecutive subjects of an ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on a probiotic formula (LGG and Bifidobacterium longum) administered during the first 6 mo of life. Despite varying composition in each baby, there was a general bacterial colonization pattern in the first year. Bifidobacteria increased markedly (p = 0.0003) with a parallel decrease in Enterobacteriaceae (p < 0.001) and Bacteroides–Prevotella (p = 0.005) populations. Eubacterium rectale–Clostridium coccoides (p < 0.001) and Atopobium (p = 0.039) groups also gradually increased. This overall pattern was unaffected by probiotic administration (p > 0.05). B. longum (p = 0.005) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (p < 0.001) were detected more frequently in probiotic group during supplementation, but no difference after supplementation had ceased (p > 0.05). Cultured lactic acid bacteria were also more numerous in the probiotic-administered babies during treatment period (log10 CFU/g 8.4 versus 7.4; p = 0.035). Our results indicate that supplemented strains could be detected but did not persist in the bowel once probiotic administration had ceased.
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Abbreviations
- LAB:
-
lactic acid bacteria
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Acknowledgements
The authors thank Karen Munro and Or Ming Yan for technical assistance, and Dr Yvonne Ng Peng, Judy Anthony, Corinne Kwek Poh Lian, and Soh Shu E for their excellent work in the clinic. We also thank Nestle for providing us the infant formula with and without probiotic bacteria, and preparing the randomization list. The voluntary participation of all subjects in the study is sincerely appreciated.
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The study was supported by National Medical Research Council (NMRC0971/2005), Republic of Singapore.
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Mah, K., Chin, V., Wong, W. et al. Effect of a Milk Formula Containing Probiotics on the Fecal Microbiota of Asian Infants at Risk of Atopic Diseases. Pediatr Res 62, 674–679 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1203/PDR.0b013e31815991d5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/PDR.0b013e31815991d5
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