Oral Administration of Colostrum to Premature Babies: Impact on the Oral Microbiota

Oral Administration of Colostrum to Premature Babies: Impact on the Oral Microbiota

Oropharyngeal administration of mother's colostrum to premature infants has been proposed as a stimulus to the oropharyngeal lymphatic tissues to decrease the incidence of pneumonia and sepsis, particularly in intubated babies. We propose to study the impact of this intervention on the composition of the oral microbiota.

Inclusion Criteria:

• premature infant with birth weight < 1500
• intubated in the first 48 hours of life
• available maternal colostrum

Exclusion Criteria:

• lethal condition