Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating condition with high morbidity and mortality seen predominately in preterm infants. Multiple factors are associated with the pathogenesis of NEC. The widespread use of antibiotics in the neonatal intensive care unit might play a role in the pathogenesis of NEC in preterm infants. This review provides a summary on the intestinal microbiota in preterm infants with a focus on how antibiotic exposure may reduce the biodiversity of the intestinal microbiota and may predispose preterm infants to NEC. CONCLUSION: Prolonged antibiotic therapy has been suggested as a risk factor for the development of NEC in preterm infants.

3rd School of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital Dublin Ireland

Institute for the Care of Mother and Child Prague Czech Republic

UCD School of Medicine and Medical Sciences Dublin Ireland

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Role of the microbiome in pathophysiology of necrotising enterocolitis in preterm neonates