Bifidobacteria in Indian Neonates and Rotavirus Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Balamurugan Ramadass, Magne Fabien, Balakrishnan Divya, Suau Antonia, Ramani Sasirekha, Kang Gagandeep, Ramakrishna Balakrishnan
Primary Institution: Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
Hypothesis
Does asymptomatic rotavirus infection in the first month of life affect gut colonization by bifidobacteria in Indian neonates?
Conclusion
Asymptomatic rotavirus infection in the first month of life does not alter the colonization of bifidobacteria in Indian neonates.
Supporting Evidence
- Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis was the sole bifidobacterial species colonizing the gut of Indian neonates.
- Neonates with and without rotavirus infection showed no significant differences in bifidobacterial counts.
- The study utilized molecular methods to analyze bacterial diversity.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a virus that doesn't make babies sick affects the good bacteria in their tummies. It found that the virus doesn't change the amount of good bacteria.
Methodology
DNA was isolated from faeces of 14 term-born neonates, and bacterial diversity was evaluated using TTGE and real-time PCR.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was conducted in a single location.
Participant Demographics
The participants were 14 term-born neonates, 7 of whom were male, all breast-fed, with half showing evidence of rotavirus infection.
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