Microbiota in healthy term infant

Abstract Development of intestinal microbiota after birth is related to health throughout life. A healthy and balanced gut microbiota profile in infancy is shaped and modulated by different factors as mode of delivery and feeding type. An aberrant compositional development of gut microbiota in early life can be linked to the risk of intestinal or extraintestinal immune-mediated disease later in life. Considering the importance of the reciprocal interaction of the intestinal microbiota with the immune, metabolic, and neurological systems of the host, understand the dynamics of a “healty” neonatal colonization is now foundamental and can offer opportunities for developing specific therapies aimed to manipulate a delayed or aberrant colonization at birth or a dysbiotic microbiota later.