Probiotics Reduce Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Preterm Infants

A recent study has found that administering probiotics to preterm infants with very low birth weight can significantly lower the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their gut. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the research highlights the benefits of probiotics for vulnerable newborns, particularly those born weighing less than 1,500 grams, which accounts for approximately 1-1.5 percent of global births.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK conducted a trial involving 34 preterm babies during the first three weeks of life. They sequenced the gut bacteria of these infants and discovered that those receiving a specific probiotic strain, including Bifidobacterium, along with antibiotics, developed a gut microbiome more similar to that of full-term infants. This intervention resulted in a notable reduction of antibiotic resistance genes and multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The study indicated that probiotics not only helped in creating a healthy balance of gut bacteria but also reduced the levels of drug-resistant pathogens, such as Enterococcus. These pathogens are associated with increased risks of severe infections and extended hospital stays for newborns.

Professor Lindsay Hall, a lead researcher from the University of Birmingham, emphasized the importance of these findings. “We have already shown that probiotics are highly effective in protecting vulnerable preterm babies from serious infections,” Hall stated. “This study now reveals that these probiotics also significantly reduce the presence of antibiotic resistance genes and multidrug-resistant bacteria in the infant gut.”

Infants who received the probiotic treatment exhibited higher levels of beneficial bacteria typically found in healthy gut microbiomes. In contrast, babies who did not receive probiotics showed some variability in their gut bacteria but ultimately developed a microbiome dominated by pathobionts. These bacteria can lead to health complications, including life-threatening infections, both immediately after birth and later in life.

In light of the global crisis surrounding antibiotic resistance, Hall pointed out the significance of this research, particularly for neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) where preterm infants are at heightened risk. “Probiotics are now used in many neonatal ICUs around the UK, and the World Health Organization has recommended probiotic supplementation in preterm babies,” she added.

The study demonstrated that probiotic Bifidobacterium rapidly proliferates in the preterm gut within the first three weeks, facilitating the maturation of the gut microbiota. This rapid growth is linked to a marked decrease in multidrug-resistant pathogens, underscoring the crucial role of probiotics in enhancing neonatal health.

The research findings suggest a promising avenue for improving the health outcomes of preterm infants, helping to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance while supporting the natural development of their gut microbiomes. As neonatal care continues to evolve, the integration of probiotics may become a standard practice to safeguard the health of the most vulnerable infants.