Funding outcome

The purpose of this study to further explore the influence of delivery characteristics and the associations with devlopment of the infant gut microbiome. Previous research from our team (in this application includes Dr. Chari and Dr. Kozyrskyj investigated and published on the influence of mode of delivery and use of peripartum antibiotics and have shown new evidence for the effects of delivery mode and infant diet as determinants of this essential microbial community in early life, which may influence childhood immune development and allergic diseases. In this study we plan to asses the labor and delivery characteristic of ROM (Prelabour Rupture Of the Memrbanes ) in infants enrolled in the CHILD study data-base and the infant gut microbiome. We will also collect information related to the mode of delivery and use of antibiotics. Based on previous findings related to mode of delivery and peripartum antibiotic use, we will assess if PROM, which is associated with a longer fetal exposure to the maternal vaginal microflora, further effects or influences the infant microbial community. This information will be very helpful in expanding our understanding of the important delivery characteristics in perinatal management and the influence or impact this has on the infant micrbiome and possible future development of childhood disease.