Use of a simple duodenal capsule to study upper intestinal microflora

The upper intestinal microflora was studied in 10 malnourished Indonesian children using the paediatric Enterotest Capsules. Trophozoites of Giardia lamblia were found in 2 specimens, profuse fungal mycelia in 3, and ascaris worms and eggs in 1. In 9 patients an abnormally profuse small intestinal bacterial flora was found. Provided precautions are taken to exclude artefactual contamination of the line on its withdrawal, this is a safe and simple method for studying the upper gut flora which could be applied to field conditions since it does not require radiological facilities.