Influence from the type of birth on the content of lactic acid bacteria in neonate meconium

Abstract

The study’s objective was to determine the influence of vaginal birth compared to cesarean birth on the content of lactic acid bacteria with probiotic characteristics from newborns. Vaginal and cesarean section meconium samples of lactic acid were evaluated, which were duly enriched, seeded and incubated. The resulting colonies were identified to be subjected to bile salt tolerance, acid pH, and fermentation. A greater development of meconium colonies was obtained in those born vaginally compared to those born by caesarean section (p <0.001). A total of 48 strains were isolated, the majority being tolerant to bile salts and acid pH; likewise, the fermentation of lactose in milk was positive. This study supports previous findings that support vaginal birth favors the greatest development of lactic acid bacteria with probiotic characteristics, compared to cesarean birth, and highlights the presence of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus. © 2020, Instituto Nacional de Salud. All rights reserved.