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.
Abstract

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