Lower Bifidobacteria counts in both duodenal mucosa-associated and fecal microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the composition of both fecal and duodenal mucosa-associated microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and healthy subjects using molecular-based techniques.


METHODS
Fecal and duodenal mucosa brush samples were obtained from 41 IBS patients and 26 healthy subjects. Fecal samples were analyzed for the composition of the total microbiota using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and both fecal and duodenal brush samples were analyzed for the composition of bifidobacteria using real-time polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
The FISH analysis of fecal samples revealed a 2-fold decrease in the level of bifidobacteria (4.2 +/- 1.3 vs 8.3 +/- 1.9, P < 0.01) in IBS patients compared to healthy subjects, whereas no major differences in other bacterial groups were observed. At the species level, Bifidobacterium catenulatum levels were significantly lower (6 +/- 0.6 vs 19 +/- 2.5, P < 0.001) in the IBS patients in both fecal and duodenal brush samples than in healthy subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Decreased bifidobacteria levels in both fecal and duodenal brush samples of IBS patients compared to healthy subjects indicate a role for microbiotic composition in IBS pathophysiology.
Kerckhoffs
Angèle P M
AP
Department of Gastroenterology, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, The Netherlands. angelekerckhoffs@hotmail.com
Samsom
Melvin
M
van der Rest
Michel E
ME
de Vogel
Joris
J
Knol
Jan
J
Ben-Amor
Kaouther
K
Akkermans
Louis M A
LM
D000328:Adult; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000378:metabolism*; D004386:Duodenum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000382:microbiology*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology*; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male