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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Guided Protocol for Fecal Microbial Characterization by 16S rRNA-Amplicon Sequencing
08:05

Guided Protocol for Fecal Microbial Characterization by 16S rRNA-Amplicon Sequencing

Published on: March 19, 2018

Molecular studies of fecal anaerobic commensal bacteria in acute diarrhea in children

Ramadass Balamurugan1, Harish P Janardhan, Sarah George

  • 1Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632004, India.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|May 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

During acute diarrhea in children, specific beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium are significantly reduced. These crucial gut microbes, important for digestive health, gradually recover after the illness subsides.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Gut Microbiome Research

Background:

  • The gut microbiome composition can be altered by diarrheal illnesses.
  • Pathogen colonization and rapid intestinal transit disrupt the normal colonic flora.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate changes in specific commensal anaerobic bacteria during and after acute diarrhea in children.
  • To quantify alterations in key bacterial groups using molecular methods.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting 16S rDNA was used.
  • Fecal samples were analyzed from 46 children during acute diarrhea, post-recovery, and 3 months later.
  • Bacterial groups quantified included Bifidobacterium spp., Bacteroides-Prevotella group, Lactobacillus acidophilus group, Faecalibacterium prauznitzii, and Eubacterium rectale.

Main Results:

  • Levels of Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas, Eubacterium rectale, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Faecalibacterium prauznitzii were lower during acute diarrhea compared to post-recovery.
  • These patterns were consistent across rotavirus and non-rotavirus diarrhea.
  • Adjuvant therapy with amylase-resistant maize starch showed no significant impact on overall floral patterns, though it was associated with lower F. prauznitzii levels at recovery.

Conclusions:

  • Acute diarrhea in children is associated with a significant decrease in specific beneficial fecal bacteria.
  • These findings suggest a disruption of the gut's commensal flora during diarrheal episodes.
  • Restoration of normal gut microbiota composition occurs after recovery from diarrhea.
Abstract

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