Effect of the feeding practices on the establishment of bacterial interactions in the intestine of the newborn delivered by cesarean section.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of the intestinal anaerobe bacteria colonizing the intestine of the newborn delivered by cesarean section. The intestinal bacterial colonization of 18 newborns delivered by cesarean section was assessed sequentially over the first 14 days of life. Emphasis is placed on C. perfringens and upon interaction to other bacteria. Correlation was made with the infant feeding mode. Microbial studies were realized in anaerobic conditions using Columbia blood agar simple and supplemented with antibiotics. Artificial alimentation seemed to favour C. perfringens installation, in contrast to the maternal one which promote B. bifidum proliferation. Antagonism between these bacteria seems to be established in the newborn intestine, via the alimentation.