Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is among the most devastating neonatal illnesses of
premature infants. Although it is a disease of multifactorial etiology associated
with bacterial dysbiosis, several reports of viral and some fungal infections associated
with NEC have been published. Despite the abundance of viruses—primarily bacteriophages,
and “virus-like particles” in the normal infant gut flora, there is limited understanding
of the contribution of these elements to newborn gut health and disease. This study
aims to review existing evidence on normal newborn virome and mycobiome development
and present insights into the complex inter-kingdom interactions between gut bacteria,
viruses, and fungi in the intestinal ecosystem, exploring their potential role in
predisposing the preterm infant to NEC.
Key Points
-
We have reviewed a number of viral and fungal infections reported in association with
NEC-like illnesses.
-
Bacteriophages play a crucial role in the gut microbiome development, but their role
in pathogenesis of NEC and potential for therapeutic use is unknown.
-
Development of next-gen metagenomic tools are needed to enhance our understanding
of viral diversity, bacteriophages, and the gut virome in the context of neonatal
health and disease.
Keywords
necrotizing enterocolitis - bacterial dysbiosis - viruses - bacteriophages - fungi
- microbiome
