The first fungi: mode of delivery determines early life fungal colonization in the intestine of preterm infants
Introduction:
The bacterial part of the microbiome and its link to health or disease has been studied extensively, however the need to study the microbiome beyond its bacterial component is becoming evident, as interactions between the various kingdoms within the intestine can affect ecosystem dynamics and immune homeostasis. The initial colonisation of the gut occurs during birth and is influenced thereafter by many clinical and environmental variables such asgestational age, mode of delivery, hospital environment, and diet.
