Duodenal microflora in infants with acute diarrheal disease

The duodenal microflora was determined qualitatively and quantitatively in a group of infants early in the course of diarrheal disease. Abnormal bacterial overgrowth in the duodenal aspirate was demonstrated in 70%. Coliforms and bacteroides species were present in significant numbers in 53%. No differences were found in the duodenal microflora distinguishing infants whose diarrhea persisted after 7 days in the hospital from those whose diarrhea resolved earlier.