Mumbai: An AI-based gene study by Indian scientists could help reduce preterm births, a major cause of infant deaths and disabilities.
The Impact of Preterm Births
Preterm birth affects the development of vital organs, increasing the risk of breathing issues, developmental delays, and other complications in newborns. In India, one in six babies is born premature, often without a known cause.
Groundbreaking Study Identifies Key Factors
A pioneering study in India has identified three microorganisms, three genes, and three bacterial pathways that trigger infections in the birth canal, leading to preterm births. This study, a collaboration between the National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH) in Parel, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in New Delhi, and the Amity Institute of Biotechnology in Noida, analyzed global data from 9,767 women of various ethnicities.
AI Analysis Reveals Critical Insights
The AI analysis revealed that certain bacteria were more prevalent in women who had preterm deliveries. Researchers identified three key microorganisms: Shuttleworthia, Megasphaera, and Sneathia, which release chemicals that increase the risk of preterm birth. The types of microbes varied by region, with different compositions observed in European, African, and Indian women.
Future Applications and Benefits
Dr. Abhishek Sengupta of the Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Dr. Deepak Modi of NIRRCH, co-authors of the study published in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, highlighted the potential of AI in advancing microbial research. The team is developing AI-based software and kits to help doctors identify harmful microorganisms, aiming to reduce urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy-related complications.
Significance for India
In India, where 3.5 million babies are born prematurely each year and 300,000 children die before the age of five due to preterm birth complications, such advancements could significantly improve neonatal and child health outcomes.
