Microbiota of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Infancy

Colonization of the human gut microbiomebegins in uteroand continues through infancy and into childhood. Microbiota of the human gut share a symbiotic relationship with the human host and early life dysbiosismay contribute to acute and distal health effects. Numerous factors in early life may contribute to the establishment of the microbiomeand to dysbiosis, including maternal, intrapartum, and postnatal factors. Elucidating the contribution of these factors to health and disease, as mediated by the establishment of the gut microbiome, may offer not only insights into disease pathogenesis, but also opportunities for disease prevention and mitigation through manipulation of the gut microbiome.