Figure 3

Microbial alpha diversity. Chao1 richness estimation (A) and Shannon’s diversity index (B) were used to measure alpha diversity. NEC specimens (n = 21) were significantly lower than controls (n = 74) for both measures of diversity. These measures were also used to compare the different severities of NEC (C, D). Lethal NEC, n = 6; severe NEC, n = 7; and mild NEC, n = 8. Solid lines represent the mean with standard deviation represented by dashed lines. (A, B) were evaluated with a Mann-Whitney U test, and (C, D) were evaluated with a Kruskal-Wallis test. ***P value <0.001, ****P value < 0.0001. NEC, necrotizing enterocolitis.