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Obesity in school-aged children and its correlation with gut E.coli and Bifidobacteria: a case-control study

Xiaolin Gao1, Ruizhen Jia2, Liang Xie3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, West China University Second Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. 23132875@qq.com.

BMC Pediatrics
|May 31, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is linked to an imbalance in gut bacteria, specifically a lower ratio of Bifidobacteria to E. coli. This finding suggests a connection between gut microbiome alterations and pediatric obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Gut Microbiome Research

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
  • Gut microbiome dysbiosis is increasingly implicated in metabolic disorders.
  • Understanding the microbial profile in obese children is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between childhood obesity and gut microbial imbalance.
  • To compare the ratio of Bifidobacteria to E. coli in obese versus non-obese children.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based case-control study with a 1:1 ratio.
  • Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) used to quantify Bifidobacteria and E. coli in fecal samples.
  • Calculation and statistical analysis of the Bifidobacteria/E. coli (B/E) ratio.

Main Results:

  • Obese and control groups showed no significant differences in age, gender, or height.
  • Significant differences were observed in body weight and BMI between groups.
  • A significantly lower B/E ratio was found in obese children compared to controls (P < 0.05).
  • A strong positive correlation (OR = 719.2) was identified between a decreased B/E ratio and childhood obesity.

Conclusions:

  • Obese children exhibit a reduced abundance of Bifidobacteria and an increased abundance of E. coli.
  • The findings suggest a significant association between gut microbial imbalance and pediatric obesity.
  • Gut microbiome modulation may represent a potential target for obesity interventions in children.
Abstract

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