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Alterations in small-bowel microflora in acute intestinal obstruction
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|February 1, 1976
Summary
Bacterial counts in the small intestine remained stable during storage. Acute intestinal obstruction disrupts the normal gut microflora gradient, significantly increasing bacterial numbers, especially anaerobes in large-bowel obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Bacteriology
Background:
- The small intestine harbors a complex microflora with a distinct quantitative gradient of aerobic and anaerobic organisms from the jejunum to the ileum.
- Intestinal obstruction is a critical condition that can significantly impact the gastrointestinal environment and its microbial inhabitants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the small-bowel microflora in patients with acute intestinal obstruction.
- To compare the microflora composition in obstructed patients with a healthy control group.
- To assess the stability of bacterial counts in small-bowel content samples during storage.
Main Methods:
- Small-bowel content samples were collected via needle aspiration from patients with acute intestinal obstruction and a control group.
- Bacteriological examination included qualitative and quantitative analysis of aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
- Sample viability was assessed after storage for 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours in modified Stuart's medium.
Main Results:
- Viable bacterial counts showed minimal alteration after storage for up to 72 hours, indicating sample stability.
- A normal quantitative gradient of aerobic and anaerobic organisms was confirmed in the control group.
- Acute small-bowel and large-bowel obstruction led to a loss of the normal microflora gradient and a significant increase in absolute bacterial numbers, particularly anaerobic organisms in large-bowel obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Acute intestinal obstruction fundamentally alters the normal small-bowel microflora, characterized by a loss of the physiological gradient and bacterial overgrowth.
- Anaerobic bacteria are disproportionately affected in large-bowel obstruction, highlighting their role in the pathophysiology of this condition.
- Modified Stuart's medium effectively preserves the viability of intestinal organisms for up to 72 hours, supporting accurate quantitative analysis.