This study aims to collect biological samples (stool, stomach fluid, and blood) from preterm infants at risk of developing NEC or LOS; as well as environmental samples from infants' hospital surroundings (swabs, air), nutritional intake (formula, breastmilk) and samples from their family members (faeces, vaginal swab).~The main focus of the study is to assess strain-level stability of gastrointestinal microbiota in these infants and potentially assess the source of disease-causing microbiota species/strains.
Study around very-low birthweight preterm infants at high risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or late-onset sepsis (LOS). Collection of stool and other biological samples to assess the strain-level stability of gastrointestinal microbiota in these preterm infants who may or may not develop NEC/LOS.