The Role of Virome in Development of Microbiota and Sepsis in Preterm Neonates

Virome including bacteriophages is essential part of the human microbiota in adults but there is very limited knowledge about its development right after birth especially in preterm neonates. It is recently shown in experimental animals that bacteriophages participate in developing neonatal sepsis; the latter being significant medical problem in preterm neonates. The project aims to look at the development and dynamics of neonatal gut virome over time and its role in development of late-onset sepsis (LOS). By using state of art technology (metaHiC) we will explore which bacteriophages are related to developing LOS. Lastly, we will describe the dynamics of bacterial resistome of preterm and term neonates starting form first months of life. Together, it will provide understanding of the role of virome in gut microbiota and in the developing LOS in preterm neonates to guide future studies of treatments or interventions using bacteriophages.