Staphylococcus epidermidis: A differential trait of the fecal microbiota of breast-fed infants
2008

Staphylococcus epidermidis in the Fecal Microbiota of Breast-Fed Infants

Sample size: 23 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jiménez Esther, Delgado Susana, Maldonado Antonio, Arroyo Rebeca, Albújar Mar, García Natalia, Jariod Manel, Fernández Leonides, Gómez Adolfo, Rodríguez Juan M

Primary Institution: Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Hypothesis

The study aims to analyze the bacterial diversity in feces of breast-fed infants and compare it with that of formula-fed infants.

Conclusion

S. epidermidis is a differential trait of the fecal microbiota of breast-fed infants, with low virulence determinants and high antibiotic sensitivity.

Supporting Evidence

  • S. epidermidis was found in 86.05% of fecal samples from breast-fed infants.
  • S. epidermidis was present in all breast milk samples.
  • Enterococcus faecalis was the second most common species in breast-fed infants' feces.
  • Breast-fed infants had lower bacterial counts compared to formula-fed infants.
  • All enterococcal isolates were sensitive to vancomycin.

Takeaway

Breast-fed babies have a different mix of bacteria in their poop compared to formula-fed babies, mainly having more of a good bacteria called S. epidermidis.

Methodology

The study involved collecting fecal and breast milk samples from 23 women and their infants, followed by bacterial isolation and genetic profiling.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in participant selection as only healthy women and full-term infants were included.

Limitations

The study's sample size is relatively small and may not represent the broader population.

Participant Demographics

23 women (16 breast-fed and 7 formula-fed) and their respective infants.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0045

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2180-8-143

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