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Culturable gut bacteria lack Escherichia coli in children with phenylketonuria

W Al-Zyoud1, A Nasereddin1, H Aljarajrah1

  • 1)Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Applied Medical Sciences, German Jordanian University, 35247 Madaba 11180 Jordan.

New Microbes and New Infections
|November 26, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Phenylketonuria (PKU) diet significantly impacts gut bacteria, with *E. coli* absent in PKU children. This study highlights potential links between diet, gut flora, and PKU management.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Human Metabolism
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder.
  • Untreated PKU leads to phenylalanine buildup, causing intellectual disability and health issues.
  • The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in host metabolism and health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare culturable gut bacteria in Jordanian children with and without PKU.
  • To assess the impact of a PKU low-protein diet on normal gut flora.
  • To investigate the presence of *Escherichia coli* in PKU patients.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study involving 25 children (20 controls, 5 PKU).
  • Stool sample analysis using CLED agar for culturable bacteria.
  • Incubation at 35°C for 24-48 hours, followed by automated microbial analysis.
  • Statistical analysis using independent sample t-test.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant absence (p < 0.01) of *Escherichia coli* was observed in all PKU subjects.
  • *E. coli* was present in all non-PKU control subjects.
  • This suggests a potential disruption of normal gut flora in PKU patients due to diet.

Conclusions:

  • The PKU low-protein diet may lead to the absence of *E. coli* in the gut microbiome.
  • Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
  • Investigating associations with phenylalanine and vitamin B2/K2 levels is recommended.

Keywords:
ChildrenE. coliGutMicrobial diversityPhenylketonuria

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