The Developing Microbiome in Preterm Multiplets vs Singletons- A Prospective Two-center Observational Study

Abstract

Purpose: The gut microbiome is the totality of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract. Gut microbial development in preterm infants is affected by environmental and genetic factors; however, the extent to which these factors play a role in shaping the preterm infant gut microbiome is poorly understood. Studying the gut microbiome of multiplets (twins and triplets) in relation to their environmental exposures, such as enteral feeding type, can provide insight into genetic versus environmental influences on the gut microbiome. We aimed …