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Updated: May 9, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
11:22

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Age-Related Microbiota Signatures in Inflammatory Diseases: Comparative Insights into Paediatric and Adult Crohn's

Giancarlo Gimignani1, Alessandro Borello2, Cristina Panetta3

  • 1UOC Medicina Interna, Civitavecchia, Italy.

Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology
|May 8, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Human microbiota significantly impacts inflammatory diseases like Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Age-specific microbiome analysis is key for developing targeted diagnostics and therapies for these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The human microbiota plays a crucial role in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and Spondyloarthritis (SpA).
  • Understanding age-related differences in microbiota composition and function is essential for managing these complex conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between the human microbiota and the development/progression of IBD (CD, UC) and SpA.
  • To compare paediatric and adult populations regarding microbiota characteristics and their association with disease activity and treatment response.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of microbiota composition and function in paediatric and adult patients with IBD and SpA.
  • Identification of factors influencing paediatric microbiota development (e.g., delivery method, feeding, antibiotics).
  • Assessment of microbial alterations in adult IBD and SpA related to diet, lifestyle, and medications.

Main Results:

  • Significant age-related differences in microbiota composition, clinical manifestations, and treatment responses were observed.
  • Paediatric patients showed decreased *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii* and short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria.
  • Adults exhibited more persistent dysbiosis and lower microbiome resilience, with disparities linked to disease activity and treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • The microbiota plays a substantial role in inflammatory diseases and holds potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker.
  • Patient-specific microbiome studies are necessary for enhancing diagnostics and therapies across the lifespan for IBD and SpA.
Abstract

Keywords:
Crohn diseasedysbiosisgastrointestinal microbiomeinflammatory bowel diseasesmicrobiotaspondylarthropathies

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