The vagina question: Can maternal vaginal fluid impact the infant gut microbiome and neurodevelopment?

Cesarean section rates continue to rise globally, and C-sectioned infants are at a higher risk of adverse child outcomes. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Zhou et al. report that vaginal microbial transfer (VMT) from birth mother to infant post-delivery may alter infant gut microbiota and improve neurodevelopment. Cesarean section rates continue to rise globally, and C-sectioned infants are at a higher risk of adverse child outcomes. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Zhou et al. report that vaginal microbial transfer (VMT) from birth mother to infant post-delivery may alter infant gut microbiota and improve neurodevelopment. Effects of vaginal microbiota transfer on the neurodevelopment and microbiome of cesarean-born infants: A blinded randomized controlled trialZhou et al.Cell Host & MicrobeJune 15, 2023In BriefThe safety and effect of vaginal microbiota transfer (VMT) on cesarean-born infants continues to be debated. In a triple-blind randomized controlled trial, Zhou et al. show that VMT is likely safe and may partially normalize neurodevelopment and the fecal microbiome in cesarean-born infants, supporting its potential health benefits. Full-Text PDF