Advances in Pediatric Research
Open Access

Microbial Imbalance to Infection: Examining the Role of Gut Microbiota in Neonatal Sepsis

Victoria Ingelsson^{* *}Correspondence: Victoria Ingelsson, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, Email:

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Description

Neonatal sepsis remains a major global health challenge, particularly among preterm infants, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes reducing sepsis as essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which aims to reduce neonatal and child mortality to no more than 12 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030. In a 2017 report, WHO estimated 48.9 million cases of sepsis worldwide, resulting in 11 million deaths, making up about 20% of global deaths that year. Alarmingly, nearly half of these cases occurred in children under five years old, with 20 million cases leading to approximately 2.9 million deaths. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study (2016-2017) further highlighted the gravity of the issue, estimating 1.3 million cases of neonatal sepsis annually, with 203,000 deaths. The economic burden of neonatal sepsis is substantial.

A key factor in neonatal health is the gut microbiome, which plays an important role in the development of the immune system and overall well-being from birth onward. In preterm neonates, whose immune systems are still immature, invasive medical procedures increase their exposure to infections and inflammation. The neonatal Gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to billions of microorganisms that play essential roles in early immune development, but these microbes can also serve as reservoirs for pathogens. Recent research has highlighted the role of gut pathogen colonization, a process where the gut microbiome becomes a pathway for the entry of harmful bacteria, potentially leading to systemic infections. This colonization process is not simply a random event but may be a precursor to more severe infections, such as sepsis.

The interaction between gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) and sepsis is a critical area of investigation for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Dysbiosis in the gut disrupts the balance of normal microbiota, allowing opportunistic bacteria-typically present in small numbers-to overgrow and potentially invade the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. This microbial overgrowth occurs when colonization resistance, the gut’s natural defense against pathogenic bacteria, is compromised. The gut’s role as a potential reservoir for pathogens emphasizes the need to understand how changes in the microbiome can increase the risk of sepsis in neonates.

By comparing the microbiota of infants who develop sepsis with those who do not, researchers hope to identify specific microbial signatures associated with higher sepsis risk. These insights could lead to novel strategies for preventing and treating neonatal sepsis, potentially improving outcomes for preterm infants worldwide.

Conclusion

Incorporating probiotics into your diet can have a completely impact on your gut health and overall well-being. From yogurt and kefir to kimchi and kombucha, there are numerous delicious and nutritious sources of probiotics to study. By diversifying your intake and choosing high-quality products, you can support your digestive system and enjoy the many benefits that these beneficial microorganisms have to offer. Supplementing your diet with probiotics can be a useful option if you find it difficult to consume enough foods high in probiotics. Certain probiotic foods, such as miso and yogurt, may include a lot of salt or added sugars. To maximize the advantage, choose goods with the fewest additional components possible.