Perinatal Microbiome Development And Long-Term Implications For Child Immune Health Regulation

Abstract

Background: The perinatal period is crucial for the establishment of the infant microbiome, which is essential for immune system development and long-term health. The maternal microbiota is transferred to the neonate during pregnancy, delivery and early infancy and is a major factor in the development of the neonatal gut microbiota. Interference with microbiome development might predispose to immune-mediated diseases later in childhood.  Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the development of the perinatal microbiome and the long-term effects on immune health regulation in children. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 mother-child pairs. Data were collected from maternal health records, microbiome measurements and child immune health assessments. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression models were conducted to determine associations between microbiome diversity and immune health outcomes.  Findings: The results showed that 74.8% of the children had healthy diversity of microbiomes. Children with optimal microbiome development had higher immune health scores (Mean = 87.3, SD = 7.6) compared to children with disrupted microbiome profiles (Mean = 71.5, SD = 8.8). In addition, 22.6% of children with disturbed microbiome development had recurrent immune-related diseases. We observed a strong positive correlation between microbiome diversity and immune health regulation (r = 0.67, p < 0.001).  Conclusion: The perinatal microbiome development has a major influence on the immune health regulation in children. Improving the healthy development of maternal and infant microbiomes may improve immunfunction and reduce the risk of immune-related disorders in childhood.