Paolo Lionetti
Summary The human gut microbiota of modern societies differs substantially from the ancestral microbiota, nowdays represented by traditional populations living in developing world, such as rural Burkina Faso populations. Rapid modernization, dietary changes and medical practices (such as antibiotic usage), is causing progressive alteration of the gut microbiota (including acquisition of antibiotic-resistant species), and these…
Catherine Stanton
Summary The trajectory of the gut microbiota changes with contrasting health-associated consequences for the host during infancy and old age. In this respect, a diverse and complex microbial ecosystem develops after birth, which undoubtedly has a profound influence on health into later life. Factors reported to influence the development of the infant gut microbiome include…
Christophe Lacroix
Summary The greatest influence on the development and establishment of the gut microbiota occurs at birth when the infant is exposed to vaginal, fecal, and skin microbiota from the mother and to microbes from the environment. The early intestinal colonization of functional microbial groups plays an essential role in infant gut health, with most studies…
Maria Carmen Collado
Summary The advances in the understanding of the host–microbes interactions suggest that maternal microbiota plays a crucial role in infant health. Microbial colonization is essential for the immune system development and function. Intestinal microbes also affect other physiologic processes related to nutrition and metabolism and also, have a relevant impact on the regulation of the…