The etiology of intrauterine infections and the state of intestinal microbiocenosis in children

Abstract

Intrauterine infections have a significant negative impact on the development of the newborn's physiological functions, including the formation of the intestinal barrier. The aim of this study was to establish the etiological structure of intrauterine infections and comprehensively evaluate the intestinal microbiota in affected infants. The study included newborns with clinical signs of intrauterine infection. The combination of methods used included serological and molecular genetic diagnoses of infectious agents, bacteriological examination of stool samples to detect dysbiosis, and determination of biochemical markers of intestinal function. The results showed a predominance of mixed etiology in intrauterine infections, with a high proportion of viral and bacterial-viral combinations. All infants examined showed profound qualitative and quantitative alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. A significant decrease in the level of protective microflora was recorded, along with the simultaneous colonization of the intestine by gram-negative bacilli and fungal flora. These changes correlated with the severity of the patients' overall condition and the severity of dyspeptic disorders. This finding corroborates that the etiological heterogeneity of intrauterine infections determines the diversity of qualitative alterations in the microbiome. Timely assessment of the etiological factor and the nature of the dysbiosis allows for the optimization of pathogenic treatments and accelerates the rehabilitation of children.