Funding outcome

The health of the mother during pregnancy is quite vital for the fetal health and for the survival of the child during the early stages of life, which could have a significant impact in adulthood health state. In this context, the development and maturation of the body's defense or immune system is highly influenced by intestinal microbiota whose colonization is affected by different factors such as the surrounding environment (e.g toys, pets), food, maternal milk, method of delivery, antibiotics, among others. The microbiota in the intestines helps to digest food and obtain nutrients and energy for the host and also provides the intestinal walls with a barrier against pathogens. Therefore, intestinal microbiota colonization is important for maintaining the host system. However, while some microbes have good qualities, others could be harmful to the body. For example, group B streptococcus (GBS) is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the gastrointestinal and the genitourinary tracts and it has been shown to be the leading cause of stillbirths, neonatal sepsis and menigitis. Although vaccination is the most promising strategy for preventing GBS infection, currently no licensed GBS vaccine is available in the market. Thus, the development and testing of a GBS vaccine while maintaining a healthy microbiota is highly necessary. In this study we want to evaluate the potential of a specific bacteria (Prevotella) in promoting vaccine response to GBS in pregnant mothers. Also, we want to explore whether by enhancing vaccine response through maternal colonization with this bacteria and vaccination, we can indirectly protect the offspring against GBS infection during the early stages of life. Through this study, we will be able to understand the interactions between vaccination and the gut microbiota.