Impact of altered early infant gut microbiota following breastfeeding and delivery mode on allergic diseases

Abstract

The prevalence of allergic diseases among infants is increasing particularly in developed countries. Although, the exact reason is not clear yet, one of the most probable explanations is reducing microbial exposure during early life and consequent alteration of gut microbiota. Various factors including delivery mode, infant's diet, environment and antibiotics administration by mothers are involved in microbial colonization of infant's intestine. Since the content of infant'gut microbiota plays a critical role in the maturation and development of the immune system, it determines the risk of immune diseases. Different studies confirmed the important role of vaginal delivery, due to transferring of useful bacteria to the neonatal's intestine, and breastfeeding, owing to the presence of exosomes and different kind of mediators in the milk which modify the pattern of intestinal microflora. As a result, it was proposed that both factors have remarkable effects on reducing allergic diseases. Furthermore, the consumption of probiotic productions by the mother during and after pregnancy possibly induces beneficial impacts on attenuating the allergic diseases. é 2013 Bentham Science Publishers.