Comparison of gut microbiomes between neonates born by cesarean section
and vaginal delivery: prospective observational study
Abstract
Objective The objective of the study was to investigate the
differences in the gut microbiomes of neonates delivered via cesarean
section compared to those born by vaginal delivery, and to identify the
predominant microbial taxa present in each group. Study design
A prospective observational study. Setting At Her Royal
Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot
University, Thailand. Sample Fecal sample obtained by 281
healthy neonates born between February 2021 and April 2023. The study
population was divided into two groups: 139 neonates born via vaginal
delivery and 142 neonates born via cesarean section. Methods
The microbiota composition of each neonate’s fecal sample was identified
by using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid metagenomic sequencing.
Main Outcome Measures Neonatal gut microbiome abundancy and
diversity was identified according to route of delivery.
Results Neonates delivered vaginally exhibited a gut microbiome
with higher abundance and diversity than those delivered by cesarean
delivery. Bifidobacterium was the dominant genus in both groups.
Bifidobacterium breve was the dominant species and was
significantly higher in cesarean-delivered neonates compared to those
delivered vaginally (24.0% and 9.2%, respectively)
(p<0.0001). However, the taxonomy of only 89 (64.0%) and 44
(31.43%) fecal samples could be identified from the vaginal and
cesarean delivery groups, respectively. Conclusions Route of
delivery is associated with neonatal gut microbiome abundancy and
diversity. Neonates delivered via vaginal delivery exhibited higher
diversity but lower abundancy of the dominant species in the gut
microbiome.