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Published on: November 17, 2018
Gut Microbiota in Mexican Children With Acute Diarrhea: An Observational Study
Erick Manuel Toro Monjaraz1, Karen Rubí Ignorosa Arellano1, Alejandro Loredo Mayer1
1From the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Department, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría.
Insights
Acute diarrhea in children significantly alters gut microbiota. Treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 may help restore gut microbial diversity, improving outcomes in pediatric acute diarrhea cases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acute diarrhea is a major global health concern for children.
- Identifying pathogens and understanding gut microbiota changes are crucial for effective treatment.
- This study focuses on Mexican children experiencing acute diarrhea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key pathogens causing acute diarrhea in Mexican children.
- To analyze alterations in gut microbiota composition during acute diarrhea.
- To evaluate the impact of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 on gut microbiota restoration.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving 30 children with acute diarrhea and 15 healthy controls.
- Stool samples collected at baseline (D0) and day 15 (D15) for pathogen and microbiota analysis.
- Pathogen identification via multiplex PCR; microbiota analysis using 16S gene sequencing.
Main Results:
- Norovirus and Campylobacter jejuni were the most common pathogens (20% each).
- Acute diarrhea (D0) showed significantly reduced gut microbial alpha diversity and altered composition (beta diversity) compared to controls and D15 samples.
- Treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 led to increased alpha diversity, nearing levels of the control group by D15.
Conclusions:
- Acute diarrhea in children is associated with significant gut dysbiosis.
- Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 shows potential in restoring gut microbiota balance in pediatric patients.
- Improvements in alpha diversity appear to be a key mechanism for S. boulardii's therapeutic effect.
Background:
Acute diarrhea is the second leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in children worldwide. This study aimed to identify the main pathogens associated with acute diarrhea and to describe changes in gut microbiota in Mexican children.
Methods:
This single-center observational study included 30 children (6 months to 5 years old) with acute diarrhea who were referred to the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría of Mexico City and 15 healthy volunteers (control group). Stool samples at day 0 (D0) and day 15 (D15) were collected for identification of microorganisms (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses with xTAG gastrointestinal pathogen panel multiplex assay) and microbiota analysis (16S gene amplification sequencing). Prescription decisions were made by the treating clinician.
Results:
The main pathogens identified were norovirus and Campylobacter jejuni (20% each). The majority of patients (n = 24) were prescribed Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 for treatment of acute diarrhea. Diarrheic episodes resolved within 1 week of treatment. Compared with D15 and control samples, D0 samples showed significantly lower alpha diversity and a clear shift in overall composition (beta diversity). Alpha diversity was significantly increased in S. boulardii-treated group between D0 and D15 to a level similar to that of control group.
Conclusions:
In these children, acute diarrhea was accompanied by significant alterations in gut microbiota. S. boulardii CNCM I-745 treatment may facilitate gut microbiota restoration in children with acute diarrhea, mostly through improvements in alpha diversity.
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