Characteristics of the Meconium Microbiota in Neonates with Fetal Growth Restriction

Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Since meconium microbiome is a critical component for the health of newborns, the aim of this study was to characterize the meconium microbiota in neonates with FGR compared with healthy controls. Methods To avoid bacteria contamination, all included neonates were delivered by elective C-section, with their samples collected in the operation room. We collected meconium samples from 14 neonates affected by FGR and 20 matched healthy newborns. The microbiome profiles were examined by using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and analyzed with customized bioinformatics pipelines. Results The β-diversity analysis demonstrated that FGR neonates clustered together that was distinct from control subjects. A number of taxa were found to be significantly depleted (e.g., Chryseobacterium) or enriched (e.g., Asticcacaulis) in the FGR group. In addition, the coordination network between various intestinal bacteria was found to be altered in FGR neonates. Conclusions FGR neonates exhibited alterations in the composition and symbiosis of microbiome, which will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiota and FGR.