Name: Capon, Sharra Neriza R.

Date Performed: April 19, 2024 Score: _______

LABORATORY ACTIVITY #9

INFANT MICROBIOME

Introduction:

As babies emerge from the sterile conditions in the womb, they are immediately colonized
by microbes from the mother’s vagina. However, many are also born through caesarean
section (C-section), which means that the first microbes they come into contact with are
those from the mother’s skin and hospital environment, rather than ones from the vagina.
This case study will let you explore and compare the difference between a baby born thru
vaginal delivery and C-section including the microbes present in breastmilk and baby
formula in relation to their immunity upon birth and as they grow older.

Objective:

1. Describe the roles of microorganisms in defending the human body from infection
from birth onwards.

Materials:

Internet connection

Laptop or any mobile device.

Instruction:

1. Click to open this link: Baby, It’s Dirty Outside: Nurturing the Infant Microbiome
(biointeractive.org)
2. Read the article and watch the video clip then answer the questions below.
Questions:

1. Give 3 ways in which a baby encounter and acquire his/her first normal microbiota.
Identify the specific microorganisms babies get from it and its action in the body.
Make a table in presenting your answers.

Ways to Acquire Microorganisms Actions in the body

Microbiota
Mother’s birth Lactobacillus spp.  Aid digestion by breaking down
canal complex carbohydrates and producing
enzymes.
 Produce beneficial vitamins like K and
B vitamins.
 Create a slightly acidic environment
that discourages harmful bacteria
(pathogens) from colonizing the gut.

Breastfeeding Bifidobacterium  Support immune system development

by stimulating the production of
immune cells and antibodies.
 Break down complex milk sugars
(oligosaccharides) that the baby's own
digestive system can't handle,
providing nutrients for the baby and
also for the beneficial gut bacteria
themselves.
 Oligosaccharides in breast milk act as
prebiotics, selectively nourishing
beneficial bacteria.

Skin-to-skin Staphylococcus  Protect against pathogens by

contact epidermidis competing for space and nutrients and
producing antimicrobial substances.
 Contribute to skin health by regulating
oil production and maintaining the skin
barrier.
 2. Compare and contrast the effect of the presence of microorganisms and the type of
microorganisms present in babies delivered thru vaginal delivery and C-section.
Make a Venn diagram to show your answers.

VAGINAL DELIVERY C-SECTION

Babies are primarily

exposed to skin
microbes, dominated
Babies are exposed to a by Staphylococcus
wider variety of and Propionibacterium
microbes from the Both delivery methods species.
mother's vaginal and gut expose babies to May lead to delayed
microbiome, dominated microorganisms: colonization of beneficial
by Lactobacillus and Regardless of delivery bacteria and a less diverse
Bifidobacterium species method, babies gut microbiome initially.
Promotes colonization of encounter some
beneficial bacteria like microbes during birth.
These initial microbes This can potentially
Bifidobacterium, linked to
can influence the increase the risk of certain
better immune
development of the gut health problems like
development and
microbiome. allergies, asthma, and
digestion.
inflammatory bowel
May lead to a more disease (though the
diverse and robust gut research is ongoing).
microbiome
 3. Based on the video you watched, give a possible method in restoring the normal
microbiota of babies born thru C-section. Do you think this is an effective way to
enhance the baby’s immunity? Why/Why not?

The article discusses a study where researchers used vaginal swabs to

transfer some of the mother's vaginal fluids (rich in beneficial bacteria like
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) to the baby's mouth, nose, or skin shortly after
birth which aims to introduce these microbes to the baby's gut and potentially
establish a more diverse and "healthy" microbiome. I think it is an effective way to
enhance the baby’s immunity as introduction of beneficial gut bacteria might lead to
a more diverse microbiome, potentially linked to a stronger immune system. Some
studies also suggest a possible reduction in the risk of allergies and asthma later in
life.

Conclusion:

Throughout the activity, the exploration of the infant microbiome has revealed a
fascinating and complex ecosystem. I have learned that this community of microorganisms
plays a crucial role in a baby's development, influencing digestion, immune function, and
potentially even long-term health. By examining how factors like delivery method (vaginal
vs. C-section) and early feeding practices (breastfeeding vs. formula) shape the infant
microbiome, I have gained insights into the importance of nurturing this delicate ecosystem
from the very beginning.