The Microbiome in Prenatal and Neonatal Life

The Microbiome in Prenatal and Neonatal Life clarifies that the microbiome in the maternal fetal unit and immediate changes that occur as new microbes are acquired postnatally play major roles in subsequent health and disease. Rapidly developing technologies for multi-omic analyses and systems biology are shifting paradigms in both scientific knowledge and clinical care with regard to this topic. In essence, we are changing the idea that newborns emerge from sterile environments. As such, in-utero colonization may have impacts on the development of immunity and metabolism that, with epigenetic modifications, will lead to diseases in later life. In addition, the microbial profile that develops during and after birth depends on mode of delivery, type of feeding (human milk versus formula), and various other environmental factors to which the newborn is exposed. - Discusses the critical nonredundant timeframe in a newborn's life during which many factors drive immune and tissue maturation and influence the susceptibility to immune-mediated and other diseases in adult life - Proves that the fetus and uterine membranes are exposed to not only microbes in close proximity but also to microbial products from metabolism of microbes in the mother - Shows that since early life periods are a critical window for development, epigenetic and/or immunologic alterations may occur that can affect not only the infant during his/her lifetime but also subsequent generations - Gives insight into factors that may affect the newborn microbiome and subsequent development

Dr. Neu is Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology; he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1971, at Wisconsin State University, Whitewater, WI. In 1975 he received his Medical Doctorate, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Dr. Neu completed his Pediatrics Residency at John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD from 1975-1978, 1978-1980 Postdoctoral Fellow in Neonatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA. In 1987 he completed his Sabbatical, Inselspital, at the University of Bern, Switzerland. Dr. Neu has received during his career several honors and awards. He Chairs and is involved on National and International Committees. Dr. Neu is active on several Society Membership, Editorial boards, journal reviewer, Service to the Community, Service to schools. He is well known for his lectures here and aboard. Dr. Neu has received many appointments as Assistant Professor, Director, Division of Neonatology, Milwaukee Children's Hospital Milwaukee, WI, Associate Professor, and Associate Division Chief for Neonatology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Director/Neonatology Fellowship Program and Director of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.