Description and Comparison of Biological Vulnerability in Small Vulnerable Newborns Versus Healthy Community Controls in Urban Burkina Faso

The aim of the DenBalo study is to apply integrated multi-omics methods to examine the biological mechanisms underlying this vulnerability in Small Vulnerable Newborns (SVNs) in LMICs, with the ultimate goal of identifying targeted interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population. The evidence generated from this project will ultimately help promote healthy pregnancies and the birth of healthy babies. To achieve this goal, three research objectives are proposed: 1. To describe and compare gut microbiota, immune system and breastmilk components in SVNs versus healthy community controls in urban Burkina Faso. 2. To describe and compare the development of the gut microbiota, the immune system and breastmilk components during the first six months of life in SVNs versus healthy community controls in urban Burkina Faso. 3. To investigate the relationship between the composition of the gut microbiota, the immune system and breastmilk components during the first six months of life in SVNs versus healthy community controls in urban Burkina Faso.