Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii and mode of delivery on the early development of the gut microbial community in preterm infants

Objectives: To examine the effect of oral administration of Saccharomyces (S.) boulardii and mode of delivery on the intestinal microbial community in preterm infants. Study design: Stool samples were collected from preterm newborns randomly divided into two groups: a probiotic-receiving group (n=18) or a placebo group (n=21). Samples were collected before probiotic intake (day 0), and after 2 and 6 weeks of supplementation. The composition of colonizing bacteria was assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing of fecal samples using the Ion 16S Metagenomics Kit and the Ion Torrent Peronal Genome Machine platform.