Variation of cultured skin microbiota in mothers and their infants during the first year postpartum.

Background/objectives: The establishment of newborn skin flora depends on the ongoing skin maturation and the existence of potential microbial colonizers within the environment of the infant during a period of intense mother-infant physical interaction. This longitudinal study assessed culturable skin bacteria in the mother-infant dyad during the first year of life.

Methods: A total of 17 mother-infant dyads were swabbed within 24 hours postpartum and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.