First bacteria after birth may protect babies from serious infections, say British Scientists
Professor Nigel Field, who led the study, called the findings “amazing” and said they show how important early bacteria are to building a strong immune system
British scientists have discovered that the first bacteria babies are exposed to after birth could help protect them from dangerous infections, like pneumonia.
The study, done by University College London and the Sanger Institute, showed that babies who had a certain type of helpful bacteria — called Bifidobacterium longum — were half as likely to be hospitalized with pneumonia during their first two years of life.
Researchers studied 1,082 newborns, analyzing their stool samples during the first week of life to find out what bacteria were present. Then, they checked hospital records over the next two years to see which children were admitted with infections.
They found that only 4% of babies with Bifidobacterium longum needed to stay in the hospital for pneumonia, compared to 8–12% of babies with other types of bacteria.
Professor Nigel Field, who led the study, called the findings “amazing” and said they show how important early bacteria are to building a strong immune system. These bacteria, especially B. longum, help digest breast milk and may support the immune system’s development by teaching it to tell harmful germs from harmless ones.
Interestingly, these beneficial bacteria were mostly found in babies born naturally (vaginally), not by Caesarean section. But not all vaginal births resulted in the presence of these bacteria, so researchers say more work is needed.
They also warned against the practice of vaginal swabbing, where some parents try to transfer bacteria from the mother to the baby after a C-section. The bacteria seem to come from the mother’s digestive system, not just the birth canal.
In the future, scientists hope to develop probiotic treatments, like yogurt or supplements, that can help give babies these protective bacteria even if they weren’t born naturally.
Professor Louise Kenny, an expert from the University of Liverpool, added that Caesarean births are sometimes necessary and life-saving, and that this research is just the beginning of understanding how birth and bacteria affect a child’s health.
