Dynamics of Microbial Colonization of the Oral Cavity in Newborns

Abstract

The host defense mechanisms are not well developed in neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of microbial colonization of the oral cavity in newborns. Eighty-one samples of the oral microbiota were obtained from 51 healthy newborns 10 min to 53 h after birth by gently rubbing sterile swabs onto the surface of the tongue, cheek mucosa, alveolar process and palate. After microbiological processing, counting of the colony forming units of streptococci, staphylococci and Gram-negative aerobic bacilli was performed. Between 10 min and 8 h, Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected in 30.7% of the samples; between 8 and 16 h, S. epidermidis was detected in 69.5% of the samples and streptococci in 56.5% of the samples; between 16 and 24 h, S. epidermidis, streptococci and S. aureus were detected in 77.78%, 85.18% and 37.03% of the samples, respectively. Between 24 and 53 h, S. epidermidis was detected in 88.89%, streptococci in 94.4% and S. aureus in 33.3% of the samples. Mutans streptococci were not detected in any of the samples. The adoption of strict hygienic measures by the mother and the nursing staff should be emphasized to avoid or at least delay the occurrence of infections caused by microorganisms in newborns. In addition, hospital procedures must be aseptic and invasive interventions must be minimized.