418238

Influence of mode of delivery on neonatal microbial colonization and susceptibility to infections

Article

Last updated: 04 May 2025

Subjects

-

Tags

Antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

Background: The mode of delivery significantly influences neonatal microbial colonization, with long-term implications for health and disease susceptibility. Vaginal delivery exposes neonates to maternal vaginal and intestinal microbiota, fostering a diverse and beneficial microbial environment crucial for immune development and overall health. In contrast, cesarean section (C-section) bypasses this natural exposure, leading to colonization by skin and environmental microbes, which can result in reduced microbial diversity and increased susceptibility to infections and immune-mediated disorders. This paper examines the impact of delivery methods on neonatal microbial colonization patterns and associated health outcomes. Vaginally delivered neonates acquire beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which support gut health, immune modulation, and pathogen resistance. In contrast, C-section delivery often results in delayed colonization and an increased prevalence of hospital-acquired bacteria, potentially leading to higher risks of conditions such as asthma, allergies, and metabolic disorders. Interventions such as vaginal seeding and probiotic supplementation offer potential solutions to mitigate the microbial deficits associated with C-sections. Encouraging breastfeeding further enhances microbial diversity and immune function. Policy recommendations should focus on reducing unnecessary C-sections while promoting strategies that support neonatal microbial health. Understanding the relationship between delivery mode and neonatal microbiome development is essential for improving health outcomes. Healthcare providers should consider microbial implications when determining delivery methods to optimize neonatal health.

DOI

10.21608/mid.2025.356332.2491

Keywords

Neonate, microbial colonization, infection and child delivery

Authors

First Name

Fartun

Last Name

Mohamed

MiddleName

Sharif

Affiliation

Blood Banking Unit, Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia

Email

hanaanita18@gmail.com

City

Mogadishu

Orcid

-

First Name

ZamZam

Last Name

Mohammed

MiddleName

Ali

Affiliation

Blood Banking Unit, Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia

Email

nabaumst@gmail.com

City

-

Orcid

-

First Name

Abdirasak

Last Name

Ali

MiddleName

Sharif

Affiliation

Department of Microbiology and Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia

Email

arshamyare@gmail.com

City

Mogadishu

Orcid

0000-0001-5546-5778

First Name

Kizito

Last Name

Bello

MiddleName

E

Affiliation

Department Of Microbiology, Kogi State University, Anyigba

Email

bello.k@ksu.edu.ng

City

Anyigba/Lokoja

Orcid

-

Volume

6

Article Issue

2

Related Issue

55370

Issue Date

2025-05-01

Receive Date

2025-01-28

Publish Date

2025-05-01

Page Start

565

Page End

574

Print ISSN

2682-4132

Online ISSN

2682-4140

Link

https://mid.journals.ekb.eg/article_418238.html

Detail API

http://journals.ekb.eg?_action=service&article_code=418238

Order

418,238

Type

Review Article

Type Code

1,160

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

Microbes and Infectious Diseases

Publication Link

https://mid.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Influence of mode of delivery on neonatal microbial colonization and susceptibility to infections

Details

Type

Article

Created At

04 May 2025