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Alterations in Gut Microbiota and their Association with Intestinal Mucosal Injury in Children with Febrile Seizures

Lin Yang1, Shuan Yin2, Wenchao Zou1

  • 1The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, China.

Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
|June 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric febrile seizures are linked to gut dysbiosis, characterized by altered microbial diversity. This gut imbalance correlates with increased inflammation and intestinal damage markers in children.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health.
  • Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbial composition, is implicated in various diseases.
  • Febrile seizures (FS) are common in children, and their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between gut microbiota diversity and markers of inflammation and intestinal mucosal injury in children with FS.
  • To compare the gut microbiota profiles of children with FS to those of healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiota composition in 15 children with FS and 15 healthy controls.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and intestinal mucosal injury markers (endotoxin, D-lactate, diamine oxidase).
  • Correlation analyses (Spearman) were performed to assess associations between microbiota profiles and measured biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • Children with FS exhibited distinct gut microbiota profiles compared to controls, with decreased Patescibacteria and increased Bacteroides.
  • Elevated serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, endotoxin, D-lactate, and diamine oxidase were observed in the FS group.
  • A significant correlation was found between altered gut microbiota and increased inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage markers in children with FS.

Conclusions:

  • Children experiencing febrile seizures demonstrate gut microbiota dysbiosis.
  • This gut dysbiosis is significantly associated with heightened systemic inflammation and intestinal mucosal injury.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenConvulsionFebrile seizureGut microbiotaInflammationIntestinal mucosal injury

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