C-section increases cecal abundance of the archetypal bile acid and glucocorticoid modifying Lachnoclostridium [Clostridium] scindens in mice

In humans and animal models, Cesarean section (C-section) has been associated with alterations in the taxonomic structure of the gut microbiome. These changes in microbiota populations are hypothesized to impact immune, metabolic, and behavioral/neurologic systems and others. It is not clear if birth mode inherently changes the microbiome, or if C-section effects are context-specific and involve interactions with environmental and other factors. To address this and control for potential confounders, cecal microbiota from ~3 wk old mice born by C-section (n=16) vs. natural birth (n=23) were compared under matched conditions for housing, cross-fostering, diet, sex and genetic strain.