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Ecological studies on intestinal microbial flora of Kenyan children with diarrhoea
S Tazume1, K Takeshi, S M Saidi
1Department of Microbiology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Japan.
Insights
Diarrhoeal disease in Kenyan children was linked to reduced gut anaerobes and altered short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Recovery showed increased SCFA, decreased pH, and restored microbial balance, aiding water absorption.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Acute diarrhoeal disease is a significant health concern in children, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- The intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intestinal microflora, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and bile acids in children with acute diarrhoea.
- To understand the impact of these factors on disease recovery.
Main Methods:
- Faecal samples from nine children with acute diarrhoea in Kenya were analyzed.
- Intestinal microflora, SCFA, and bile acid profiles were determined.
- Faecal pH was measured during diarrhoeal and recovery phases.
Main Results:
- Enteric pathogens were identified in diarrhoeal samples.
- A marked reduction in anaerobic bacteria was observed during diarrhoea.
- Increased volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and a lower pH were noted during recovery.
- Changes in bile acid profiles were observed between diarrhoeal and recovery states.
Conclusions:
- Reduced anaerobes and altered SCFA levels during diarrhoea may contribute to increased water content and disease severity.
- Restoration of SCFA and a decrease in pH during recovery are associated with improved gut function.
Abstract:
The intestinal microflora was analysed together with short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and bile acids in faeces from nine children with acute diarrhoeal disease in Lari, Kenya. Enteric pathogens such as enteroinvasive E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, rotavirus, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica were isolated either singly or in combination from diarrhoeal faecal specimens. The most striking finding in these patients was a marked reduction of anaerobes. Analysis of the SCFA revealed a significantly higher quantity of the volatile fatty acids (VFA) such as acetic, propionic, and butyric acid in recovery period faeces in comparison to diarrhoeal faeces, although no significant difference was seen in the quantity of non-volatile fatty acids. On analysing bile acids in faeces, conjugated primary bile acids were detected from all cases in diarrhoea whereas the free form of secondary bile acids was seen only in recovery. The pH of recovery faecal specimens was significantly lower than that in diarrhoeal faecal specimens. There was a parallel between the decrease in number of anaerobes and fluctuation in the amount of SCFA, showing that the drastic reduction of VFA accompanying decrease of anaerobes during the diarrhoeal state, and the rise in pH thought to arise from these facts, result in an increase of water content.