Human Milk Oligosaccharides Reduce Murine Group B <i>Streptococcus</i> Vaginal Colonization with Minimal Impact on the Vaginal Microbiota
Marlyd E. Mejia, Samantha Ottinger, Alison Vrbanac, P. Gireesh Babu, Jacob J. Zulk, David Moorshead, Lars Bode, Victor Nizet, Kathryn A. Patras
Abstract
During pregnancy, GBS ascension into the uterus can cause fetal infection or preterm birth. In addition, GBS exposure during labor creates a risk of serious disease in the vulnerable newborn and mother postpartum. Current recommended prophylaxis consists of administering broad-spectrum antibiotics to GBS-positive mothers during labor. Although antibiotics have significantly reduced GBS neonatal disease, there are several unintended consequences, including altered neonatal gut bacteria and increased risk for other types of infection. Innovative preventions displaying more targeted antimicrobial activity, while leaving the maternal microbiota intact, are thus appealing. Using a mouse model, we found that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) reduce GBS burdens without perturbing the vaginal microbiota. We conclude that HMOs are a promising alternative to antibiotics to reduce GBS neonatal disease.