Bifidobacterial key genetic factors for development of infant gut ecosystems

Abstract

The human gut microbiota has a profound influence on our health and disease. Recent studies have indicated that the gut microbiota development during infancy has effect on subsequent host’s physiology. The infant gut microbiota, therefore, has attracted a great deal of attention. This review summarizes our study about process of the gut microbiota development during early infancy and its influence on the infant gut environment. In addition, we refer to the key factors that play the important role on building mutually beneficial relationships between human and bifidobacteria that is the most prevalent in the infant gut.