BEHAVIOR OF CLOSTRIDIUM-PERFRINGENS IN THE DIGESTIVE-TRACT OF INFANTS BORN BY CESAREAN-SECTION

Colonization of the digestive tract by C. perfringens was studied in infants born by cesarean section. Correlations between the level of colonization and the environment, type of feeding, and presence of other anaerobic bacteria were looked for. Colonization by C. perfringens was found as early as the second day of life in one of the maternity wards studied, suggesting presence of the microorganism in the environment. By the 14th day of life, colonization with C. perfringens was demonstrated in all the bottle-fed or breast and bottle-fed infants. In strictly breast-fed infants, findings suggested antagonism between Bifidobacterium and C. perfringens. Bacteroides and Clostridium species other than. C. perfringens were not found prior to colonization by C. perfringens.