[The effect of oral colonization by non-pathogenic E. coli on the immune response in neonates and possibilities of its use in the prevention of nosocomial infections in children at risk].

Oral colonization with the non-pathogenic strain of E. coli 083:K24:H31 stimulated in a significant way the local antibody formation in the gut, saliva and milk of mothers of the colonized infants. Early induction of SIgA formation is important in particular in infants who are not breastfed where it replaces partially the lacking immunoglobulin supplied in breast milk. In premature and risk infants colonization had a favourable effect on reduction of the number of infections, deaths in conjunction with infection, a reduced presence of pathogenic microflora in the alimentary tract and elsewhere. In carriers the strain replaced successfully pathogenic strains and assisted the restitution of the impaired intestinal microflora.