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. 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 andB. longum? That is the "million dollar question" for Prof Field. We knowB. longumstarts 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. 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".
First bacteria we ever meet can keep us out of hospital
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Links Early Bacteria in Newborns to Reduced Risk of Lung Infections"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Recent research conducted by scientists at University College London and the Sanger Institute highlights the significant role of early bacteria in protecting infants from severe lung infections. The study found that the presence of a specific beneficial bacterium, Bifidobacterium longum, in newborns significantly reduces their risk of hospitalization due to respiratory issues, halving the likelihood of such admissions. Researchers analyzed stool samples from 1,082 newborns within their first week of life to identify the microbial species present, tracking their health over the following two years. Remarkably, only 4% of babies carrying B. longum required hospitalization for lung infections compared to those with different bacteria, who were two to three times more likely to need medical attention. This groundbreaking finding underscores the importance of the microbiome's development during infancy and its potential impact on immune system maturation.
The study also raises important questions about the origins of these beneficial bacteria, as B. longum was predominantly found in infants born through vaginal delivery, although not universally present in all such births. Researchers caution against the practice of vaginal seeding, which involves swabbing babies with vaginal bacteria, as the beneficial microbes appear to derive from the mother's digestive system rather than the vaginal tract. The potential for developing microbial therapies, such as probiotic supplements, is being explored to help establish a healthier microbiome in infants, ultimately aiming to enhance their immune defenses. Experts emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms at play and to ensure that medical practices surrounding childbirth continue to prioritize both maternal and infant health.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant finding from UK scientists regarding the role of early bacterial colonization in newborns and its potential protective effects against respiratory infections. By focusing on a specific bacterium, Bifidobacterium longum, the study suggests a direct correlation between the presence of this bacteria and reduced hospital admissions for lung infections in infants. This research opens up new avenues for potential therapies aimed at enhancing beneficial bacteria in newborns, which could have profound implications for pediatric health.
Objective of the Publication
The primary goal of sharing this research is to inform the public and the scientific community about new insights into infant health and the microbiome. The findings could lead to increased awareness of the importance of early bacterial exposure and its implications for preventive health strategies in children.
Public Perception Aims
By emphasizing the protective nature of beneficial bacteria, the article seeks to foster a positive perception of microbiome research. It encourages the idea that understanding and enhancing our microbiota can lead to better health outcomes, which might resonate well with parents and healthcare providers.
Potential Omissions or Concealments
While the article presents groundbreaking findings, it may downplay the complexity of the microbiome and the multitude of factors that contribute to health outcomes in children. It does not address possible confounding variables that could influence the results, such as genetics, environment, or socioeconomic status, which might lead to a simplified understanding of the issue.
Manipulative Aspects
The article's framing could be seen as slightly manipulative, as it emphasizes the positive implications of the findings without fully discussing the limitations or uncertainties inherent in the research. The language used is optimistic and may evoke a sense of urgency for further research and application, potentially leading to public pressure for clinical interventions.
Reliability of the Information
The research itself appears credible, as it is based on a substantial sample size and rigorous genetic analysis. However, as with all scientific studies, further replication and exploration are necessary to confirm the findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms involved.
Public Sentiment and Communities
The findings are likely to resonate particularly with parents, healthcare professionals, and those interested in pediatric health and microbiome studies. These communities may advocate for further research and potential applications of these findings in clinical settings.
Economic Implications
This research could influence sectors related to infant health, such as probiotics and dietary supplements. Companies involved in these industries may see increased interest and investment as public awareness grows regarding the microbiome's role in health.
Geopolitical Relevance
While this study does not directly address geopolitical issues, advancements in health research can impact global health policies and practices. Increased understanding of microbiota could influence how countries approach infant health and disease prevention.
Potential Use of AI
It's possible that AI tools were employed in the data analysis phase of the research to identify patterns and correlations in the bacterial data. However, the article does not explicitly mention AI, leaving the extent of its involvement unclear.
Manipulation Indicators
The optimistic tone and focus on potential benefits could be viewed as manipulative, particularly if it oversimplifies the complexities of microbiome research. The article highlights the significance of B. longum without addressing the multifaceted nature of health determinants.
In summary, the article presents a significant and promising finding in microbiome research, but it is essential to consider the broader context of these results and the complexities involved in health outcomes. The reliability of the study is bolstered by its scientific rigor, but the presentation may lead to overly optimistic interpretations without addressing necessary cautions.