Nursery Peers Shape Infant Gut Microbiome
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By
January 23, 2026
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3 min
A study led by Dr. Liviana Ricci from the University of Trento revealed that infants acquire a greater variety of gut microbial strains from peers in nursery settings than from family members after three months of attendance. The research, involving 134 nursery participants, indicated significant changes in infant gut microbiome composition linked to peer interactions. By the end of the first nursery term, 40% of the microbiome was derived from nursery peers, surpassing family contributions, highlighting the profound impact of social environments on microbial diversity.
1. Study found greater gut microbial strain acquisition from nursery peers. 2. Conducted by Dr. Liviana Ricci in Trento, Italy. 3. Involved 134 participants and weekly stool sampling. 4. Strain sharing increased from 2.5 to 7.2 strains by nursery's end. 5. 28% of strains were from nursery peers after 3 months. 6. Antibiotic exposure linked to reduced strain retention. 7. Notable microbiome plasticity in infants. 8. Geographic limitations may affect broader applicability.
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