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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Guided Protocol for Fecal Microbial Characterization by 16S rRNA-Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: March 19, 2018
Using 16S rDNA Sequencing Technology to Preliminarily Analyze Intestinal Flora in Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Da Wei Shi1, Dong Mei Wang2, Li Hua Ning2
1Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
Objective:
We investigated changes in the intestinal flora of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP).
Methods:
Between September 2019 and November 2019, stool samples from 14 children with MPP from The Fourth Hospital of Baotou city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, were collected and divided into general treatment (AF) and probiotic (AFY) groups, according to the treatment of "combined Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus cereus tablets live". High-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing was used to identify intestinal flora.
Results:
Intestinal flora abundance and diversity in children with MPP were decreased. Both Shannon and Simpson indices were lower in the AF group when compared with healthy controls ( P < 0.05). When compared with healthy controls, the proportion of Enterorhabdus was lower in the AF group, while the proportion of Lachnoclostridium was higher ( P < 0.05). The proportion of Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia was lower in the AFY group but Enterococcus, Lachnoclostridium, Roseburia, and Erysipelatoclostridium proportions were higher. The proportion of Escherichia coli- Shigella in the AFY group after treatment was decreased ( P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The intestinal flora of children with MPP is disturbed, manifested as decreased abundance and diversity, and decreased Bifidobacteria. Our probiotic mixture partly improved intestinal flora disorders.
Insights
Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) show reduced gut bacteria diversity. A probiotic mix partially restored gut flora balance, indicating potential therapeutic benefits for pediatric respiratory infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is a common respiratory infection in children.
- Intestinal flora plays a crucial role in immune system development and function.
- Disruptions in gut microbiota have been linked to various health conditions, including respiratory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the alterations in intestinal flora composition in children diagnosed with MPP.
- To evaluate the impact of a specific probiotic combination on the gut microbiota of these children.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples were collected from 14 children with MPP and analyzed using high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing.
- Children were divided into two groups: general treatment (AF) and probiotic treatment (AFY) with a combination of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus cereus.
- Intestinal flora diversity and abundance were assessed using Shannon and Simpson indices.
Main Results:
- Children with MPP exhibited decreased intestinal flora abundance and diversity compared to healthy controls.
- The probiotic group (AFY) showed a decrease in Escherichia coli-Shigella proportions post-treatment.
- Specific bacterial group alterations were observed, including decreased Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia, and increased Enterococcus and Lachnoclostridium in the AFY group.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric MPP is associated with significant intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and lower levels of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria.
- The administered probiotic mixture demonstrated a partial capacity to ameliorate these gut flora disturbances in children with MPP.
