EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATION OF LACTOBACILLUS-CASEI STRAIN GG ON THE GASTROINTESTINAL MICROBIOTA OF NEWBORNS

The aim of the study was to determine whether Lactobacillus casei stra in GG could colonise the intestine of newborns and the influence of it s administration on establishment of the microbiota. The faecal bacter ial population of 25 under 1 mth old newborns was studied: in addition to breastfeeding, 15 babies (GG group) received for 2 wk immediately after birth Lactobacillus GG supplement as freeze-dried powder diluted in water in a dose of 10(10)-10(11) c.f.u./g; 10 newborns (control gr oup) did not receive any supplement to breastfeeding. The faecal bacte rial composition of meconium was similar in both groups studied. Ten n ewborns (67 per cent) excreted Lactobacillus GG, while in eight cases (53.3 per cent) Lactobacillus GG was found even 2 wk after the adminis tration was stopped. The faecal concentrations and the relative propor tion of Lactobacillus GG were individually different. In 3-4 d, 5-7 d and 1 mth old newborns of the GG group the faecal concentrations of la ctobacilli exceeded those of the control group. The faecal microorgani sms predominance pattern did not differ in the case of 1 wk and 1 mth old newborns of the GG group. The study shows that 2 wk administration of Lactobacillus GG, which starts right after birth, increases intest inal lactobacilli concentrations and does not impair the establishment of a normal faecal bacterial microbiota.