August 15, 2025Open Access

Colibactin genes are highly prevalent in the developing infant gut microbiome

SHSuchitra K. HouriganNational Institutes of Health SLShira LevyYeshiva University KMKathryn McCauleyNational Institutes of Health

Key Points

A high prevalence of pks+ bacteria is found in over 50% of infants, suggesting its normal carriage during gut microbiome development.
Mutations on the colorectal epithelium may be imprinted by colibactin-producing gut bacteria early in life, increasing cancer risk later.
Observational data over the first two years indicates significant presence of colibactin genes in the infant gut microbiome.
Further exploration is necessary to understand how these bacteria may lead to mutations affecting health.

Abstract

Early-life exposure to colibactin-producing pks+ gut bacteria is hypothesized to imprint mutations on the colorectal epithelium, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer later in life. We demonstrate an extremely high prevalence of pks+ bacteria (>50% of infants) during the first two years of life, suggesting carriage is likely normal during early-life microbiome development. Further research is needed into the conditions in which carriage can lead to mutagenesis.

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