Dr. Helve (Finland winner 2019): Gut microbiota & caesarean section

To celebrate #WorldMicrobiomeDay, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute is handing the floor to national grant winners.

Created 15 June 2022
Updated 13 July 2022
WMD_Foundation KOL Finland 2019

About this article

Created 15 June 2022
Updated 13 July 2022

Dr. Otto Helve

He is a specialist in paediatric infectious diseases who studies the impact of the method of birth on gut microbiome of the newborn and whether any disadvantageous effects can be countered by fecal microbiota transplantation to the newborn.

What has the national grant allowed to discover in your microbiota research area?

We have been able to, for example, extend our screening to include SARS-CoV-2 without which it would have been impossible to continue working under extremely difficult circumstances during a global pandemic. Safety is the utmost issue in our methodology and the national grant has kept us on the highest level of safety.

What are the consequences for the patient?

We have been able to minimize risks of the transplant process, demonstrated by the lack of adverse events.

Want to know more about Dr. Helve

In your point of view, what is the biggest breakthrough related to microbiota these last years?

       Gut microbiota development in infancy and its link to immunodevelopment.
 

Do you think there is a growing interest on microbiota recently?

       There is a clear increase in the interest on microbiota, emphasized in the interest in microbiota-linked alimentary consumer products.
 

Do you have a tip for taking care of our microbiota?

      Eat well-balanced meals!
 

Do you have an anecdote, or a surprising fact/story to share on your research?

       We screen pregnant mothers before inclusion to study. It is quite surprising how well-known gut microbiota issues are to them.
 

What is for you the most fascinating bacteria?

       I’m an infectious diseases physician. I’d like to go for Staph aureus…
 

Do you have an inspirational person in mind? (in the field of research? / Medical? / in general?)

       Hans Rosling, of course!

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