Intestinal Microflora In Children Research Articles

Intestinal microflora in children with secondary hyperoxaluria and allergic respiratory diseases

Intestinal microflora in children with secondary hyperoxaluria and allergic respiratory diseases

Characterization of changes in the intestinal microbiome following combination therapy with zinc preparation and conventional treatment for children with rotavirus enteritis.

Rotavirus (RV) is one of the most common pathogens causing diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. Routinely, antiviral therapy, intestinal mucosa protection, and fluid supplementation are used in clinic, however this is not efficacious in some severe cases. Zinc supplementation has previously been shown to improve resolution of symptoms from infectious diarrhea. In this study differences in response rate, duration of hyperthermia, vomiting, and diarrhea, and the persistence time of cough and lung rales in groups were compared. 16SrDNA gene sequencing technology was used to analyze and compare changes in the intestinal microflora of children with RV enteritis who received the conventional treatment with or without the zinc preparation. In addition, the correlations between the differential bacterial species and the related inflammatory factors were determined. Conventional therapy combined with the zinc preparation significantly shortened the duration of hyperthermia, vomiting, and diarrhea compared with the conventional treatment alone. In addition, the time to symptom relief showed that the absorption time of cough and lung rales was significantly shorter in the combination treatment group than that in the conventional treatment group in the children with pneumonia. Further, compared with the conventional treatment, the combined treatment significantly increased the diversity and abundances of florae as compared with the conventional treatment. This combination therapy containing zinc preparation markedly increased the abundances of Faecalibacterium, Bacteroidales, Ruminoccoccoccus, and Lachnospiraceae at the genus level. The LEfSe analysis suggested that Clostridiumbolteae were most significantly altered after the combination therapy. In addition, a correlation analysis revealed significantly negative correlations between the inflammatory factors especially IL-6, TNF-a, CRP and some intestinal florae such as Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Parabacteroides, Subdoligranulum, and Flavonifractor. Compared with the conventional therapy alone, the combined therapy with the zinc preparation significantly improves symptoms caused by RV. The combination therapy containing the zinc preparation significantly increases the diversity and abundances of some beneficial groups of bacteria. Further, The presence of these groups was further negatively correlated with relevant inflammatory factors. More importantly, this combination therapy containing the zinc preparation provides a reference for the clinical management of children with RV enteritis.

Characteristics of the intestinal microflora in children receiving anti-tuberculosis therapy

The progress in investigating microbiome in children and adolescents as well as its impact on maintaining health is considered one of the most significant achievements of modern medicine. In children with various diseases, the qualitative and quantitative indicators of the intestinal microflora change, which causes the development of dysbiosis. The assessing changes in intestinal microflora in children during treatment with anti- tuberculosis drugs has retained its importance and relevance due to insufficient data in the field, which requires a more detailed understanding of this problem. The presented article assesses the state of gut microbial biocenosis in children receiving anti-tuberculosis treatment. The purpose of the study: to study the microbial landscape of the colonic contents in children receiving anti-tuberculosis therapy. Materials and methods. The study included 24 children with verified tuberculosis of the respiratory organs receiving treatment in a 24-hour hospital of the Kuzbass Clinical Phthisiopulmonological Medical Center named after I.F. Kopylova. The study of intestinal microflora was carried out by a quantitative bacteriological method. The material of the study was feces collected in a sterile disposable container, which was delivered to the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Virology of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of the Russian Ministry of Health. Results. Dysbiosis with predominance of microecological disorders of II (41.7%) and III (37.3%) degrees was detected in all children receiving anti-tuberculosis therapy. The microbial landscape of the intestine was characterized by a decrease in the quantitative content of representatives of the obligate flora Bifidobacterium spp. in 66.7% of children and Lactobacillus spp. in 45.8%, an increase in the number of facultative microorganisms: E. coli lac+ and Citrobacter freundii in 12.5%. Maintaining a full-fledged and active intestinal normobiota is possible by ensuring its dynamic control in children with tuberculosis during treatment. The results of studying the characteristics of the microbiota suggest that patients need probiotic therapy during the treatment of tuberculosis. Conclusion. Microecological disorders in children with tuberculosis therapy were characterized by a decrease in the quantitative content of representatives of obligate flora and an increase in the number of facultative microorganisms. Also in the material, various types of fungi of the genus Candida were identified.

Development of gut microbiota along with its metabolites of preschool children

BackgroundTo reveal the changes of intestinal microbial abundance and composition, as well as the microbiota metabolic levels of bile acids and short chain fatty acids of healthy preschool children during their growth.MethodsFeces of 120 healthy newborns and 150 healthy children aged 6 months to 6 years were collected. Then the composition of intestinal flora was analyzed by 16S rRNA, and the contents of bile acids and short chain fatty acids in feces were detected by LC-MS and GS methods, respectively.ResultsThe composition and function of intestinal microflora were not stable in neonatal period but significantly improved at 6 months after birth, and gradually stabilized and tended to adult-like formation after 2–3 years old. The levels of short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids were consistent with the development of gut microbiota.ConclusionThe age of 6 months may be a critical period for the development of intestinal microflora in children.

Development of antibiotic associated dysbiosis in children of early age with acute intestinal infections in Azerbaijan

Objective. To study microbiological peculiarities of intestinal microflora in children of early age with acute intestinal infections.Material and methods. The scientists carried out the bacteriological examination of 338 children with acute intestinal infections, who were on inpatient and outpatient treatment. The age structure of patients on inpatient treatment from 0 to 6 month – 52 (29,1%), 7–12 month – 57 (31,8%), 1–3 years – 70 (39,1%). The distribution of children on outpatient treatment: from 0 to 6 month – 59 (37,0%), 7–12 month – 35 (22,0%), 1–3 years – 65 (41,0%).Results. It was determined that absence of Escherichia coli (55,7%) and bifidobacterium (81,2%) prevailed in patients on inpatient treatment while in patients on outpatient treatment there was the reduction of these bacteria (67,3% and 36,5% accordingly). Among the representatives of opportunistic microflora, the leading place was occupied by Candida albicans, which was diagnosed in 50% of both inpatient and outpatient children. Only 12,8% cases there were diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus, one patient was diagnosed with Klebsiella, and 5 (9,6%) patients were diagnosed with Salmonellaenteritidis.

Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: rational therapy

Introduction. Gastrointestinal dysfunctions remain one of the most frequent problems in young children (0 to 2 years). Among the main causes are immaturity of the enzymatic system, morphology and function of the gastrointestinal tract, regulatory mechanisms of the nervous system, immune response. The composition of intestinal microflora in children in the first years of life is unstable and can easily change under the influence of unfavorable factors: feeding disorders, infectious pathogens, congenital defects, incomplete immunity. Modern scientific literature and clinical guidelines most accurately reflect the results of studies on the positive role of probiotics, for example, in the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and acute diarrhoea of various genesis. The research base is so large that in 2012 the World Gastroenterology Organization developed an international practical guide to the use of probiotics in clinical practice, recommending the use of probiotics that meet certain criteria. The review is devoted to evaluating the effectiveness and safety of treatment with probiotics containing Bifidobacterium lactis, BB-12 and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 in children aged 0 to 2 years. Data from meta-analyses of the Cochrane library, PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Russian open clinical randomized, placebo-controlled studies on the use of probiotics containing Bifidobacterium lactis, BB-12, and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 in pediatric practice are presented. Study objective. A comparative description of the most popular commercial drugs used for the treatment and prevention of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in children aged 0 to 2 years, containing at least one of these strains, is presented. Results . Evidence of the significance of probiotic therapy for various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in children aged 0 to 2 years with complex drugs containing a combination of Bifidobacterium lactis, BB-12 and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 strains in children aged 0 to 2 years is presented. There is no reliable evidence of the effectiveness of multi-strain drug combinations in this age group. Conclusion . The combination of Bifidobacterium lactis, BB-12 and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 is an effective and safe combination for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children aged 0 to 2 years.

Metabolic activity of intestinal microflora in newborns with a different mode of delivery

The authors studied microbial composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota in 20 babies born by caesarean section (main group) and 20 babies born vaginally (control group). There were isolated bifidobacteria from meconium at a concentration of 105– 1010 CFU/g by the bacteriological method in 4 (20%) children of the main group and 6 (30%) children in the control group. The gas-liquid chromatography revealed the metabolic activity of various representatives of the intestinal microflora in children of both groups, regardless of the mode of delivery; the indicators of metabolic activity were significantly lower than in the infants. The children in both groups had similar absolute and relative content of short-chain fatty acids in meconium. The data of gas-liquid chromatography indicate the metabolic activity of the meconium microbiota, which is dominated by anaerobic microbial populations and there is a high proportion of proteolytic and conditionally pathogenic flora. The data obtained confirm the process of intrauterine translocation of microbes from mother to child and indicate the importance of the microflora of the future mother in the process of forming the intestinal microbiota of the child.

Specific changes of intestinal microflora in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective: To analyze the composition and richness of intestinal microflora in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the role of which in pathogenesis of NAFLD. Methods: This was a prospective case-control study. From November 2015 to June 2017, 19 children diagnosed with NAFLD according to the 2010 edition of diagnostic criteria were enrolled voluntarily in the Second and First Affiliated Hospitals of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University. Twenty-two healthy children were enrolled in the control group. Among the patients, 10 were males and 9 were females, at the mean age of (11.0±1.0) years; 10 males and 12 females in the control group, at the mean age of (9.0±1.2) years. The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were recorded, and the fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein were detected. Feces were collected and the fecal microorganisms were extracted with magnetic beads methods; the composition and the richness of intestinal microflora in the two groups were detected with 16S rDNA high throughput sequencing technology. The KO differential gene expression and KEGG signal pathway enrichment were analyzed with PICRUST software. The intestinal flora characteristics between the two groups were compared with t test or Mann-Whitney U test and Willcoxon W test. Results: The BMI, waist circumference and triglyceride were higher in NAFLD group than those in the control group (BMI (25.1±2.7) vs. (18.2±1.5)kg/m(2), t=9.912, P=0.000; waist circumference (88.6±6.6) vs. (71.5±6.3) cm, t=8.520, P=0.000; triglyceride (0.9±0.4) vs.(0.7±0.3)mmol/L, t=2.060, P=0.046). The abundance and diversity index of intestinal microflora were lower in the NAFLD group (Shannon index 3.99 (3.13, 4.54) vs. 4.63 (4.21, 4.81), Z=-2.065, P=0.039; Simpson index 0.85 (0.70, 0.89) vs. 0.90 (0.88, 0.93), Z=-2.431, P=0.015; ACE index 235.76 (205.26, 361.94) vs. 326.96 (275.34, 368.65), Z=-2.092, P=0.036). At the level of phylum, the proportion of Actinomycetes was lower and the proportion of Thermus was higher in NAFLD group (Actinobacteri 29.807 (14.723, 62.080) ×10(-3) vs. 63.212 (46.133, 172.071) ×10(-3), Z=-2.667, P=0.008; Thermus 0.033 (0.000, 0.226) ×10(-3) vs. 0.000 (0.000, 0.031) ×10(-3), Z=-2.729, P=0.006) . At the level of genus, the proportion of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium in the NAFLD group were significantly lower (Bacteroides 78.757 (11.430, 151.621) ×10(-3) vs. 356.821 (161.049, 403.037) ×10(-3), Z=-2.771, P=0.006; Bifidobacterium 19.680 (6.181, 53.944) ×10(-3) vs. 54.721 (31.911, 146.410) ×10(-3), Z=-2.458, P=0.014); the proportion of Prevotella in NAFLD group was significantly higher (3.089 (0.165, 63.502) ×10(-3) vs. 0.432 (0.029, 2.257) ×10(-3), Z=-2.112, P=0.035). Based on the KEGG database, 78 differentially expressed genes and 26 differential metabolic pathways were found, among which the function genes of K01470, K01961 and K07258 were concentrated in the pathways of arginine and proline metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and polysaccharides biosynthesis and metabolism. Besides, these three function genes were related to Bacteroides, Prevotella, Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus. Conclusion: NAFLD children have intestinal flora disturbances in both diversity and abundance, which may alter lipid metabolic pathways through differential gene expressions, contributing to the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

Intestinal Microflora in Children: from Formation Disturbances Prophylaxis to Preventing Non-Infectious Diseases

The article presents an overview of modern Russian and foreign scientific literature, which summarizes data on the value of normal intestinal microflora formation, and on the formation of normal microbiocenosis in ontogeny features. The causes of microbiota formation lesions and their impact on child health are described. Relevant data on the effectiveness of pre- and probiotics in the prophylaxis of noninfectious diseases is given.

APPLICATION OF GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY‐MASS SPECTROMETRY FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE INTESTINAL MICROFLORA CONDITION IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC GASTRITIS

Objectives:This study is aimed at assessing condition of intestinal microflora in children with chronic gastritis in different phases of the disease and after a course of probiotic treatment using of gas chromatography ‐ mass spectrometry (GC‐MS).Methods:This longitudinal study was conducted among 90 children aged 11–15 years with Helicobacter pylori positive morphologically proven chronic gastritis (CG). 22 healthy children matched by age and gender with the children of the main group were taken as comparison group. Children with CG have been investigated repeatedly in the period of exacerbation, 6 months after the successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection and after a one‐month course of probiotic medicine. As the probiotic medicine, a complex probiotic Bifiform containing at least 107 Bifidobacteriun longum and at least 107 Enterococcus faecium was used. To assess the state of intestinal microbiota we use GC‐MS – detecting species‐specific fatty acids as genetically determined structural components of the cell wall.Results:In children with chronic gastritis both in acute and remission phases in 100% of cases were revealed changes in composition of the intestinal microflora affecting not only intraluminal but parietal microflora. In phase of exacerbation, microbiota disorders were expressed by decreased number of obligate bacteria (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli). In phase of remission the revealed changes saved and characterized by decreased number not only bifidobacteria, lactobacilli but propionobacterium and increased number of such opportunistic bacteria as clostridia (Clostridium histolyticum, Clostridium propionicum, and Clostridium ramosum), streptococci, Candida fungi. Excessive proliferation of Candida albicans were found in 16.5% (95% CI 12 – 21.2) children in exacerbation phase and in 30% (95% CI 22.2 – 38.8) in phase of remission (р = 0.0412). Intensity of violations of parietal microflora were significantly associated (р < 0.05) with morphological changes of gastric mucous. After a course of probiotic treatment were found positive changes in composition of the gut microbiota characterizing by increasing number of bifidobacteria and enrecocci, and decreased number of clostridia and Candida fungi.Conclusion:Chronic gastritis in children is commonly associated with negative changes in parietal microflora in acute phase and in 6 months. Using of gas chromatography ‐ mass spectrometry for studying and evaluating the intestinal microflora in children with chronic gastritis can significantly extend the range of the defined microbiota and its possible changes in different phases in diseases.

The intestinal microflora in children with emergencies due to acute enteric infections

Objective: to study the intestinal microflora in children with emergencies due to enteric infections. Subjects and methods. A total of 147 patients aged 6 months to 14 years were examined. Clinical, scatological, and bacteriological studies were used. Results. Grade III dysbacteriosis was shown to be prevalent in children with emergencies due to enteric infections. Conclusion. Analysis of the microbial landscape of isolated pathogens revealed the dominant role of Proteus and a significant proportion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and permanently relevant Staphylococcus aureus.

Interconnection between indices of microbiocoenosis of intestine and the local immunity in children with reactive arthritis

Aim. To improve the diagnostics and prognostication of ReA clinical course in children on the base of study of intestinal microflora and the local immunity (secretory immunoglobulin А (sIgA)). Materials and methods. There were examined 40 children with ReA in an acute period in 9–12 month after the beginning of disease. 23 healthy children formed the control group. The examination of children was carried out in municipal children cardiorheumatologic department of CIHP “Kharkov municipal children clinical hospital № 24” and Kharkov municipal children polyclinics (№ 1, 2, 7, 12, 13, 14, 23). ReA diagnosis was set according to the order of MHP of Ukraine from 19.07.2005 № 362 «Report on diagnostics and treatment of diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue in children МКХ-Х М00-М25 arthropathy». The definition of the degree of disorder of large intestinal microbiocoenosis was carried out on the base of the order of MHP of Ukraine from 29.01.2013 №59 «Unified clinical report on medical help for children with diseases of alimentary organs». The sIgA definition is based on the use of “sandwich”-variant of hardphase immune-enzyme analysis. The study was carried out using the laboratory set of reagents for immune-enzyme definition of secretory IgA in biological liquids «Secretory IgA-IEA» LLC «HEMA» (№ FSR 2009/06385 from 16 of December 2009 year). An assessment of results of the studies was carried out using the STATISTICА program for Windows (10.0 version), Microsoft Excel 2012, MATLAB 2015a. Results. The study of the state of intestinal microflora in acute PeA period demonstrated that in all patients were revealed the disorders of intestinal microbiocoenosis such as decrease of the titers of the main indices of intestinal micro flora, decrease of the number of bifido- and lactobacteries. On the background of depression of the normal intestinal microflora there was observed proliferation of opportunistic microorganisms. As to degree of dysbiosis in ReA acute period its II degree was defined in 62,5 %, and the І in 37,5 % of patients. In 9–12 month after the beginning of disease in patients with ReA who received the basal therapy with probiotic correction was observed the favorable dynamics of the dysbiotic disorders degree. So the І degree of dysbiosis was detected in 67,5 % of patients, the part of patients with II dysbiosis degree was 32,5 %. At comparison of the data of intestinal microflora in children with remission and prolonged or relapsing ReA clinical course was established that at remission I dysbiosis degree was the dominative one and at prolonged or relapsing clinical course the II dysbiosis degree was diagnosed in all patients. The study of the local immunity state demonstrated that in ReA acute period the level of secretory immunoglobulin A reliably exceeded the norm. There was revealed the reliable direct connection between sIgA level and dysbiosis degree. In 9–12 month after beginning of disease it was observed the normalization of sIgA level. In children with relapsing and prolonged ReA clinical course sIgA level remained reliably increased comparing with group at the phase of remission. The received results testify that the changes in sIgA metabolism in patients with ReA has a secondary character and the established growth of sIgA content in patients with ReA carries out compensatory function. Conclusions. 1. In all patients with ReA were established the disorders of intestinal microbiocoenosis. In acute period II degree of dysbiosis (subcompensated one) was detected in 62,5 %, and I degree (compensated one) – in 37,5 %. In 9–12 month after beginning of disease I degree of dysbiosis was detected in 67,5 %, and the II degree in 32,5 % of patients, it was more often in children with relapsing and prolonged ReA clinical course. 2. In ReA acute period sIgA level in saliva reliably exceeded norm. 3. There was revealed the reliable direct connection between sIgA level in saliva and dysbiosis degree. 4. In 9–12 month after the beginning of disease in the group of children with remission was observed the normalization of sIgA, and in children with relapsing and prolonged ReA clinical course sIgA content remains high, it is prognostic factor of transition from acute clinical course to prolonged or relapsing one

Functions of intestinal microflora in children

This review discusses the structural composition of intestinal microbiota, the functional relationship between the latter and the host, and the role of abnormal microflora in chronic diseases. A more complete view of the gut microbiota is being developed following the Human Microbiome Project. The microflora in children is plastic, susceptible to changes in response to diet modifications, antibiotic treatment and other events, providing the opportunity to study its functional role. Increasing evidence highlights the role of nutrition in the age-related development of microflora. Eubiosis, that is, a normal microflora structure, provides protection against infections, educates the immune system, ensures tolerance to foods, and contributes to nutrient digestion and energy harvest. Changes in microflora, consisting in the overpresence of harmful species or underpresence of commensal species, or dysbiosis produce dysfunctions, such as intestinal inflammation or dysmotility. Moreover abnormal pattern of microflora have been consistently detected in specific diseases. A relationship exists between eubiosis and functions and conversely between dysbiosis and dysfunctions or even diseases. Abnormalities in microflora composition may trigger or contribute to specific diseases. This raises the hypothesis to target microflora in order to restore eubiosis through the use of antibiotics, probiotics or nutrients.

Mechanisms of probiotic treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections

Recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) is a common chronic respiratory disease of children.The pathogenesis is complex,etiology and treatment methods are varied.Probiotics are immune modulators with extensive clinical application.This paper reviewed the changes of intestinal microflora in children with recurrent respiratory tract infection and the mechanisms of probiotic treatment including intestinal flora regulation,intestinal mucosal barrier,stimulation of the growth of intestinal mucosa and immune regulation. Key words: Probiotics; Recurrent respiratory tract infection; Children

The Molecular Characterization of Intestinal Microflora in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Molecular Characterization of Intestinal Microflora in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Screening-detected and symptomatic untreated celiac children show similar gut microflora-associated characteristics

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic function of intestinal microflora in children with screening-detected celiac disease (CD) to see if there is an aberrant gut flora in screening-detected CD similar to symptomatic CD and contrary to healthy controls. Materials and methods. As part of a Swedish multicenter screening for CD, 912 12-year-old children were screened with serum anti-human tissue transglutaminase-IgA. Small bowel biopsy specimens from children with positive serology revealed 17 individuals with CD. The functional status of the intestinal microflora was evaluated by gas–liquid chromatography of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in fecal samples. Our previously published findings in children with symptomatic CD and healthy controls were used as comparison. Results. The children with screening-detected CD had a similar fecal SCFA profile to children with symptomatic CD, but differed significantly from that in healthy children. Conclusions. This is the first study on SCFA patterns in fecal samples from children with screening-detected CD. The similarity of the fecal SCFA profile in screening-detected and symptomatic CD indicates common pathogenic mechanisms. This could open the way for new therapeutic or prophylactic measures based on novel biological principles.

Changes in the intestinal microflora of children with Helicobacter pylori infection and after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common etiological factor leading to chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. In addition there is a close relationship between H. pylori infection and non-ulcer dyspepsia or gastric cancer. The high incidence of H. pylori infection in pediatric patients in developing countries is thought to inhibit their physical development because of malnutrition anaemia and growth retardation. Anti-H. pylori therapy is recommended in children with H. pylori-induced gastritis and ulcer. The intake of high-dose broad-spectrum antibiotics may cause serious side effects including the alteration of intestinal flora fungal infection impaired liver function and drug resistance. In recent years simultaneous administration of probiotics has been used to alleviate the side effects of drug therapy and boost the therapeutic effectiveness of H. pylori eradication. In this study we investigated changes in the intestinal microbial flora in H. pylori infected children and afterH. pylori eradication therapy. We attempted to establish a basis for future research into the role of probiotics in anti-H. pylori treatment. (excerpt)

Comparison of fecal microflora in children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome according to IgE sensitization to food

Atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) commonly often arises during early infancy. In several intervention studies a beneficial influence on AEDS course of certain intestinal bacteria, administered as 'probiotics', has been described. To evaluate the possible role of the natural intestinal microflora in children with allergic eczema/dermatitis syndrome regarding immediate type hypersensitivity to food allergens, children with food allergy (AAEDS, n = 68) have been compared with children without detectable food allergy (NAEDS, n = 25). All children (n = 93) in preschool age, mean age of 2.6 (+/-1.8) years, diagnosed with AEDS who were treated as inpatients in 2003 in a dermatological hospital were included. The correlation between fecal microflora, parasites and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against common food allergens was analyzed. A similar composition of intestinal microflora in children with AAEDS and NAAEDS was found. The food allergens that were most frequently detected were egg white, cow milk, casein, peanut and hazelnut. Furthermore, a significant association between IgE sensitization against important food allergens and components of the fecal microflora could not be demonstrated. With aging changes occur in the intestinal microbiota [Proteus/Klebsiella and age (rho = -0.607) and Enterococcus and age (rho = -0.428)]. In two subjects of the AAEDS group Blastocystis hominis was found. The composition of natural intestinal microflora in children with AAEDS and NAAEDS was similar. Hence, there is no evidence of a role of the intestinal microflora with regard to the development of infant (food) allergy in children with AEDS. The possible consequences for allergic diseases later in life require further investigation.

Gut Microflora Associated Characteristics in Children with Celiac Disease

The aim of the study was to investigate the metabolic function of intestinal microflora in children with celiac disease (CD) in order to find out if there is a deviant gut flora in CD patients compared to healthy controls. The study group comprised children with CD, consecutively diagnosed according to current criteria given by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Thirty-six children were studied at presentation, i.e., on a normal gluten-containing diet, with clinical symptoms and signs indicative of CD, positive celiac serology markers, and a small bowel biopsy showing severe enteropathy. Forty-seven patients were studied when they had been on a gluten-free diet (GFD) for at least 3 months. For comparison, a group of 42 healthy controls (HC) were studied. The functional status of the intestinal microflora was evaluated by gas-liquid chromatography of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in fecal samples. There was a significant difference between untreated CD children and HC as well as between treated CD children and HC regarding acetic, i-butyric, i-valeric acid, and total SCFAs. The propionic and n-valeric acids differed significantly between CD children on GFD and HC. Moreover, there was a strong correlation between i-butyric and i-valeric acids in all study groups. This is the first study of the SCFA pattern in fecal samples from children with CD. The results indicate that there is a difference in the metabolic activity of intestinal microbial flora in children with CD compared to that in HC. The finding of a different pattern of some SCFAs in celiacs both at presentation and during treatment with GFD indicates that it is a genuine phenomenon of CD not affected by either the diet, the inflammation, or the autoimmune status of the patient.

Influence of Lactobacillus F19 on Intestinal Microflora in Children and Elderly Persons and Impact on Helicobacter pylori Infections

Influence of Lactobacillus F19 on Intestinal Microflora in Children and Elderly Persons and Impact on Helicobacter pylori Infections