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Gut microbiota composition during infancy and subsequent behavioural outcomes

Loughman A 1 , Ponsonby AL 2 , O'Hely M 3 , Symeonides C 4 , Collier F 5 , Tang MLK 4 Show all authors , Carlin J 6 , Ranganathan S 4 , Allen K 4 , Pezic A 7 , Saffery R 6 , Jacka F 3 , Harrison LC 8 , Sly PD 9 , Vuillermin P 10 , BIS Investigator Group

Affiliations 

  • 1 Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
  • 2 The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
  • 3 Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia; The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
  • 4 The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
  • 5 Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia; The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
  • 6 The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
  • 7 The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
  • 8 The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
  • 9 The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
  • 10 Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia; The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia. Electronic address: peter.vuillermin@deakin.edu.au
EBioMedicine, 2020 Feb;52:102640.
PMID: 32062351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102640

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite intense interest in the relationship between gut microbiota and brain development, longitudinal data from human studies are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the composition of gut microbiota during infancy and subsequent behavioural outcomes.

METHODS: A subcohort of 201 children with behavioural outcome measures was identified within a longitudinal, Australian birth-cohort study. The faecal microbiota were analysed at 1, 6, and 12 months of age. Behavioural outcomes were measured at 2 years of age.

FINDINGS: In an unselected birth cohort, we found a clear association between decreased normalised abundance of Prevotella in faecal samples collected at 12 months of age and increased behavioural problems at 2 years, in particular Internalizing Problem scores. This association appeared independent of multiple potentially confounding variables, including maternal mental health. Recent exposure to antibiotics was the best predictor of decreased Prevotella.

INTERPRETATION: Our findings demonstrate a strong association between the composition of the gut microbiota in infancy and subsequent behavioural outcomes; and support the importance of responsible use of antibiotics during early life.

FUNDING: This study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (1082307, 1147980, 1129813), The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Perpetual Trustees, and The Shepherd Foundation. The funders had no involvement in the data collection, analysis or interpretation, trial design, recruitment or any other aspect pertinent to the study.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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