First bacteria we ever meet can keep us out of hospital
Summary
UK scientists found that the first bacteria newborns encounter can lower the chances of them needing hospital treatment for lung infections. They discovered that a specific bacteria, Bifidobacterium longum, seemed to offer protection, but this was most common in babies born through vaginal delivery.Key Facts
- UK scientists studied the first bacteria that newborns encounter.
- They collected stool samples from 1,082 newborns in their first week of life.
- Researchers tracked these babies for two years to check infection rates.
- Bifidobacterium longum, a type of bacteria, appeared to protect against lung infections.
- Only 4% of babies with Bifidobacterium longum needed hospital treatment for lung infections.
- These protective bacteria were mostly found in babies born vaginally, not by caesarean.
- The study does not support the practice of vaginal seeding for caesarean-born babies.
- Scientists aim to develop treatments, like probiotic yogurt, to build healthy microbiomes in babies.
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