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Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of neonatal intestinal microbiota in relation to the development of asthma

Carl Vael1, Liesbeth Vanheirstraeten, Kristine N Desager

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. carl.vael@telenet.be

BMC Microbiology
|April 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Early infant gut bacteria, specifically Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium coccoides, may predict asthma development. This research highlights the importance of the infant gut microbiota in atopic disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Allergy
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The infant gut microbiota plays a crucial role in immune system development and the onset of atopic diseases.
  • Differences in gut microbiota composition between allergic and non-allergic infants are observable early in life, particularly within the first six months.
  • The extended 'hygiene hypothesis' posits that early microbial exposure influences long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between early intestinal microbial colonization and the development of asthma within the first three years of life.
  • To utilize denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) for analyzing the infant gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective birth cohort of 110 children was enrolled.
  • Children were classified using the Asthma Predictive Index (API), considering wheezing, eczema, and parental history of asthma.
  • Fecal samples were collected at 3 weeks of age and analyzed using DGGE with universal and genus-specific primers.

Main Results:

  • 22% (24/110) of children had a positive API.
  • A significant association was found between a positive API and the presence of specific bacterial bands: Clostridium coccoides XIVa and a Bacteroides fragilis subgroup.
  • A predictive model incorporating both bacterial groups achieved 73% accuracy in classifying cases.

Conclusions:

  • Early colonization with specific species of Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium coccoides at 3 weeks of age can serve as an early indicator for potential asthma development.
  • Further validation through longitudinal follow-up studies is recommended to confirm these findings.
Abstract

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