FORMATION OF THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA OF CHILDREN AND THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THIS PROCESS

Objective: presenting the latest finding about the process of the formation of the intestinal microbiota of children in the early stages of development and the factors that influence this process.Intestinal microbiota plays a key role in the physiology and maintenance of the homeostasis of the human body. The results of molecular genetic studies show that the formation of the intestinal microbiota begins in utero, and the child receives mother’s microflora throughout pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. The microbial colonization of a child by mother’s and environmental microorganisms is the most intensive in childbirth and the postnatal period. Both intrauterine and neonatal periods are critical stages in the formation of the child's microbioma, which significantly determine the state of their health throughout further life. The composition of the microbiota being formed depends on the gestational age of the child, the mode of delivery, the type of feeding, antibacterial therapy, the sanitary and hygienic environmental conditions, geographical conditions, etc. A deeper understanding of the processes of intestinal microflora formation will allow developing effective methods for the prevention and correction of microecological disorders in the child.