Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Microorganisms
Volume
9
Issue
10
Publisher
MDPI
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences / Centre for Integrative Metabolomics and Computational Biology
RAS ID
40567
Funders
National Health and Medical Research Council / Larsson Rosenquist Foundation
Abstract
Dysbiosis refers to a reduction in microbial diversity, combined with a loss of beneficial taxa, and an increase in pathogenic microorganisms. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota can have a substantial effect on the nervous and immune systems, contributing to the onset of several inflammatory diseases. Epidemiological studies provided insight in how changes in the living environment have contributed to an overall loss of diversity and key taxa in the gut microbiome, coinciding with increased reports of atopy and allergic diseases. The gut microbiome begins development at birth, with major transition periods occurring around the commencement of breastfeeding, and the introduction of solid foods. As such, the development of the gut microbiome remains highly plastic and easily influenced by environmental factors until around three years of age. Developing a diverse and rich gut microbiome during this sensitive period is crucial to setting up a stable gut microbiome into adulthood and to prevent gut dysbiosis. Currently, the delivery route, antibiotic exposure, and diet are the best studied drivers of gut microbiome development, as well as risk factors of gut dysbiosis during infancy. This review focuses on recent evidence regarding key environmental factors that contribute to promoting gut dysbiosis.
DOI
10.3390/microorganisms9102066
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Parkin, K., Christophersen, C. T., Verhasselt, V., Cooper, M. N., & Martino, D. (2021). Risk factors for gut dysbiosis in early life. Microorganisms, 9(10), article 2066. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9102066