[Intestinal bacterial microflora study in chronic ulcerohemorrhagic colitis]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Ulcerative-hemorrhagic colitis (UHC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with complex etiology.
• Fecal microflora alterations are implicated in UHC pathogenesis.
• Enzyme production by gut bacteria may serve as a biomarker for disease activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of fecal microflora in patients with exacerbated UHC.
• To analyze the enzyme production profile of isolated bacterial cultures from UHC patients.
• To compare these findings with a control group of healthy subjects.

Main Methods:

• Fecal samples from UHC patients and healthy controls were analyzed.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of key bacterial groups (e.g., E. coli, Proteus, Enterococci).
• Biochemical testing of isolated pure cultures, including 30 enzymatic assays (protease, catalase, urease, etc.).

Main Results:

• Significant differences in fecal microflora composition were observed between UHC patients and controls.
• Isolated bacterial cultures from UHC patients exhibited an elevated enzyme constellation.
• Specific enzyme activities, such as protease and urease, were notably higher in the patient group.

Conclusions:

• Exacerbated ulcerative-hemorrhagic colitis is associated with distinct changes in fecal microbiota.
• An elevated enzyme production profile by gut bacteria is a characteristic finding in active UHC.
• These enzymatic alterations may contribute to UHC pathogenesis and could serve as diagnostic markers.