Pathogen Pathways and Gut Microbiota Dynamics in Pediatric Intrauterine Infections

Abstract

The development of the gut microbiota in young children is closely linked to maternal health and exposure to infectious agents during the prenatal period. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathways of pathogen entry and the dynamics of changes in the gut microbiome in children with intrauterine infections. A comprehensive clinical and laboratory examination was performed on newborns with confirmed intrauterine infectious pathologies. The methodology was based on the use of microbiological cultures, polymerase chain reaction, and ribosomal RNA sequencing to analyze the composition of the gut microbiome, as well as to evaluate indicators of local immunity. The study identified the main pathways of fetal infection and detected significant alterations in the microecological balance. It has been established that intrauterine exposure to pathogens delays intestinal colonization by obligate symbionts, particularly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and is accompanied by an overgrowth of opportunistic strains, such as enterobacteria and staphylococci. The observed dynamics indicate persistent dysbiosis, which reduces resistance to mucosal colonization and triggers a sustained systemic inflammatory response. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for specialized early microecological correction programs aimed at restoring normal gut microbiota in children with intrauterine infections to prevent the development of serious somatic and immunological complications.