The Importance of Normal Colonization of the Newborn in Immune Development and Prevention of Disease

Allan Walker emphasized the importance of normal colonization of the newborn in immune development and prevention of disease.Normal neonatal colonization results in symbiosis and immune homeostasis, which are essential for health. Dysbiosis due to C-section delivery, perinatal antibiotics or premature delivery may adversely affect development of gut defense and redispose the infant to inflammation, leading to increased susceptibility to disease later in life..Probiotics may restore symbiosis and there is evidence indicating that prebiotics reduce the incidence and severity of NEC and reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis.