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Updated: May 26, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Gut microbiota and pediatric disease.

Valerio Iebba¹, Marina Aloi, Fortunata Civitelli

¹Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. valerio.iebba@uniroma1.it

Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)

|December 20, 2011

Summary

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in pediatric diseases, with altered microbial compositions linked to conditions like IBD and autism. Research explores these imbalances to understand disease development and potential protective microbial agents.

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Last Updated: May 26, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Area of Science:

Pediatric gastroenterology and microbiology.
Investigating the gut microbiome's influence on child health.

Background:

The gut microbiota's role in pediatric diseases such as IBD, celiac disease, asthma, allergy, and autism is under extensive research.
A leading hypothesis suggests that dysbiosis, an altered microbial composition, contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of these disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To define pediatric gut microbiota imbalances across various diseases.
To explore the relationship between microbial composition and disease development in children.

Main Methods:

Utilizing cultural, molecular, metabolomic, and metagenomic approaches.
Analyzing microbial composition and its association with disease states.

Main Results:

Increased aerobes, facultative anaerobes, and Enterobacteriaceae (e.g., Escherichia coli) observed in pediatric IBD.
Higher bacterial counts and biodiversity in pediatric IBD and celiac disease.
Shifts in bacterial phyla (Bacteroidetes increase, Firmicutes decrease) noted in IBD, celiac disease, and autism.
Western diets may increase Firmicutes, reduce beneficial short-chain fatty acids, and increase susceptibility to infections.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species show potential protective roles in atopic diseases, while others are linked to increased risk.

Conclusions:

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is implicated in various pediatric diseases.
Specific microbial profiles are associated with different conditions, offering insights into pathogenesis.
Understanding these microbial shifts may lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome in children.