Open AccessLaboratory Analysis Techniques for the Perinatal Microbiome
Author(s) -
Emily Malloy,
Ashley Kates,
Lauren Watson,
Leona VandeVusse,
Nasia Safdar,
Lisa Hanson
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the journal of perinatal and neonatal nursing/journal of perinatal and neonatal nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.377
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1550-5073
pISSN - 0893-2190
DOI - 10.1097/jpn.0000000000000496
Subject(s) - microbiome , medicine , gut microbiome , terminology , human microbiome project , human microbiome , intensive care medicine , bioinformatics , biology , philosophy , linguistics
The microbiome is composed of many organisms and is impacted by an intricate exchange between genetics and environmental factors. The perinatal microbiome influences both the developing fetus and the pregnant person. The purpose of this article is to describe the tests that are currently available for laboratory analysis of the perinatal microbiome in relationship to probiotic interventions. This article focuses on the bacterial component of the microbiome. Although adverse outcomes associated with the perinatal microbiome have been studied, a comprehensive understanding of the physiologic perinatal microbiome is still emerging. Early efforts to influence the perinatal microbiome through probiotics are currently under investigation. Unique terminology is defined, and the microbial composition of perinatal microbiota is summarized. The outcomes of studies of antenatal probiotics are summarized. Microbiome testing and analysis are defined and compared. Implications for perinatal care and probiotics research are presented.