Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
The fecal and mucosal microbiome in acute appendicitis patients: an observational study
Toon Peeters1,2,3,4, John Penders5, Sanne P Smeekens3,4
1Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunity, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium.
Aim:
We aimed to study the mucosal microbiota of the appendix in a prospective appendicitis cohort and to compare the fecal microbiota of patients and controls. We hypothesized that the microbiota may be associated with susceptibility to appendicitis.
Patients & Methods:
The fecal microbiota of 99 patients and 106 controls were characterized using 16S-23S intergenic spacer profiling. Richness, diversity and community structure were compared. The appendiceal microbiota from 90 patients was analyzed according to the severity of appendicitis.
Results:
Overall fecal microbial richness and diversity were similar in patients and controls, yet richness and diversity within the group of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria and Verrucomicrobia phyla were lower in patients. Discriminant analyses could correctly classify patients and controls with fair accuracy. No differences were found according to severity in appendiceal or fecal microbiota.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota of appendicitis patients and healthy individuals.
Related Concept Videos
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Observational Studies
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
Naturalistic Observations
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

