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Quantification of Intestinal Lactobacillus Species in Children with Functional Constipation by Quantitative Real-Time
Nabi Jomehzadeh1,2,3, Hazhir Javaherizadeh4, Mansour Amin2,3
1Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Insights
Children with functional constipation show significantly lower levels of key Lactobacillus bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus fermentum, compared to healthy children. This suggests a potential role for these probiotics in childhood constipation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gut Microbiome Research
Background:
- Functional constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in children globally.
- Intestinal microbiota composition is recognized as a critical factor in its development.
- This study investigates specific Lactobacillus species in relation to childhood constipation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively compare the abundance of major Lactobacillus species in children with functional constipation versus healthy controls.
- To identify potential alterations in Lactobacillus populations associated with pediatric functional constipation.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were obtained from 40 children diagnosed with functional constipation (Rome IV criteria) and 40 healthy children.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with species-specific primers was employed.
- Seven key Lactobacillus species were analyzed in the fecal samples.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in Lactobacillus strains were observed between constipated children and healthy controls.
- A marked decrease in the quantity of Lactobacillus reuteri was noted in the patient group (mean 10^2.61 CFU/gram).
- Lower abundance of Lactobacillus fermentum was also found in constipated children (p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Quantitative alterations in Lactobacillus species may be associated with childhood functional constipation.
- The study demonstrated a significantly decreased quantity of specific Lactobacillus populations in constipated children compared to healthy subjects.
- These findings highlight the potential impact of Lactobacillus species on pediatric functional constipation.
Background:
Functional constipation is a common and annoying gastrointestinal disorder among children worldwide in which the intestinal microbiota composition plays a fundamental role. This study aimed to compare the quantity of main intestinal Lactobacillus species in constipated children and healthy controls.
Materials And Methods:
Fecal samples were collected from 40 children fulfilling Rome IV criteria for functional constipation and 40 healthy volunteers. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method with species-specific primers was used to investigate seven main Lactobacillus species in fecal samples.
Results:
Lactobacillus strains of the patient group were different from the healthy controls, main differences being noticeable decrease in the population quantity of Lactobacillus reuteri (mean 102.61 CFU/gram feces) and lower abundance of Lactobacillus fermentum (p<0.0001).
Conclusion:
Lactobacillus species might be quantitatively altered in childhood functional constipation. Our findings on the different species of Lactobacillus population showed significantly decreased quantity in the patient group compared with the healthy subjects.
