How Probiotics Fight Drug-Resistant Germs in Babies
Preterm infant gut microbiome analysis has revealed important new findings that could improve the health of premature babies. A recent study published in Nature Communications shows that giving probiotics alongside antibiotics to very low birth weight babies helps create a healthier gut environment and reduces harmful drug-resistant bacteria.
Why Gut Health Matters in Preterm Babies
Babies born prematurely, especially those weighing under 1500 grams, often spend weeks in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). During this time, they are vulnerable to infections and usually need antibiotics. However, antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, allowing harmful microbes, including multidrug-resistant strains, to thrive.
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in early-life immunity and development. When this balance is disturbed, preterm babies face a higher risk of infections, longer hospital stays, and even long-term health problems.
The Study: Probiotics and Antibiotics Together
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and the Quadram Institute tested the effects of a specific probiotic strain, including Bifidobacterium, on 34 preterm babies. All infants were monitored during their first three weeks of life.
The results were striking:
- Babies who received probiotics alongside antibiotics had gut bacteria that looked much more like those of full-term babies.
- There were fewer antibiotic resistance genes and lower numbers of multidrug-resistant bacteria in their gut.
- Harmful bacteria such as Enterococcus were reduced, lowering infection risks.
- At the same time, beneficial bacteria grew more strongly, supporting gut development.
How Probiotics Work in the Preterm Gut
According to the researchers, probiotic Bifidobacterium was able to quickly establish itself in the babies’ intestines. This colonisation encouraged the gut microbiome to mature properly while also reducing harmful bacteria. Importantly, the probiotics seemed to act selectively, suppressing resistant strains without disturbing beneficial ones.
This selective action is vital in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat.
Implications for Neonatal Care
Professor Lindsay Hall, senior author of the study, emphasised that probiotics are already being used in many UK NICUs and have been recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This study strengthens the evidence that probiotics can both protect against infections and help control antibiotic resistance.
Dr. Raymond Kiu, co-author of the study, explained that the findings also highlight the complex relationship between antibiotics, probiotics, and gene transfer in shaping the infant gut microbiome. He believes this research lays the foundation for future work in infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship in premature babies.
Conclusion
This preterm infant gut microbiome analysis shows that probiotics could be a powerful, low-cost tool to protect vulnerable newborns. By supporting healthy gut development and reducing drug-resistant bacteria, probiotics may give premature babies a much-needed head start in life.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
