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Characterization of Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome in Children with Hirschsprung Disease with and without a History

Philip K Frykman1, Agneta Nordenskjöld2, Akemi Kawaguchi3

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.

Plos One
|April 25, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Children with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) developing enterocolitis (HAEC) show altered gut microbial communities. Fungal dysbiosis, particularly increased Candida species, may play a role in HAEC pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a severe complication following HSCR surgery.
  • The role of intestinal microbiota in HAEC development is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare fecal bacterial and fungal communities in HSCR patients with and without a history of HAEC.
  • To investigate potential microbial factors contributing to HAEC pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Next-generation sequencing of 16S (bacteria) and ITS-1 (fungi) regions from fecal DNA.
  • Analysis of microbial composition in 18 post-operative HSCR patients (9 with HAEC history, 9 without).

Main Results:

  • HAEC group exhibited altered bacterial composition (reduced Firmicutes/Verrucomicrobia, increased Bacteroidetes/Proteobacteria).
  • Fungal communities in HAEC patients showed reduced diversity, with increased Candida sp. and decreased Malassezia/Saccharomyces sp.
  • Candida species composition differed significantly between high and low burden HAEC patients, with altered diversity even in low burden cases.

Conclusions:

  • Gut microbial dysbiosis, including fungal overgrowth (Candida), is associated with HAEC in HSCR patients.
  • Findings suggest Candida species may contribute to HAEC pathogenesis or represent an altered commensal state.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of these microbial shifts in HAEC.

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