Evaluation of the microbiome in children's appendicitis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• The role of the gut microbiome in appendicitis etiology is debated.
• Appendicitis presents with varying grades of inflammation (phlegmonous, gangrenous, perforated).
• Microbiome composition may differ between normal and inflamed appendices, and along the appendix axis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the appendiceal microbiome in normal and inflamed appendices across different inflammation grades.
• To investigate microbiome differences between proximal and distal appendix sections.
• To correlate microbiome findings with histopathological features of appendicitis.

Main Methods:

• Prospective pilot study of children undergoing appendectomy.
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing of proximal and distal appendix mucosa.
• Comparison between appendicitis patients and healthy controls (incidental appendectomies).

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in microbiome composition were found between control and appendicitis groups.
• No correlation was observed between specific bacterial abundances and appendicitis severity.
• Microbiome variations were noted within patient groups, and no significant proximal-distal differences were detected.

Conclusions:

• Appendiceal microbiome alterations do not appear to be the primary driver of appendicitis.
• Further studies should precisely document biopsy sampling locations due to potential site-specific microbiome variations.