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PubMed2000

Correlations between antibody immune responses at different mucosal effector sites are controlled by antigen type and dosage.

Monitoring specific secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses in the intestines after mucosal immunization or infection is impeded by the fact that sampling of small intestinal secretions requires invasive methods not feasible for routine diagnostics. Since IgA plasma cells generated after intragastric immunization are known to populate remote mucosal sites as well, secretory IgA responses at other mucosal surfaces may correlate to those in the intestines and could serve as proxy measures for IgA secretion in the gut. To evaluate the practicability of this approach, mice were immunized intragastrically with 0.2, 2, and 20 mg of ovalbumin plus 10 microg of cholera toxin, and the antigen-specific local secretory IgA responses in duodenal, ileal, jejunal, rectal, and vaginal secretions, saliva, urine, and feces, as well as serum IgG and IgA responses were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between serum IgG and IgA, urinary IgA, salivary IgA, and secretory IgA in duodenal, jejunal, ileal, and rectal secretions for the 0.2-mg but not for the 20-mg ovalbumin dose. Fecal samples were poor predictors for intestinal antiovalbumin IgA responses, and no correlations could be established for cholera toxin, neither between local anti-cholera toxin levels nor to the antiovalbumin responses. Thus, specific IgA in serum, saliva, or urine can serve as a predictor of the release of specific IgA at intestinal surfaces after intragastric immunization, but the lack of correlations for high ovalbumin doses and for cholera toxin indicates a strong dependency on antigen type and dosage for these relationships.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Long-haul transport and lack of preconditioning increases fecal shedding of Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157:H7 by calves.

The effects of weaning and transport on fecal shedding of Escherichia coli and on E. coli O157:H7 were investigated using 80 Angus and 94 Charolais range steer calves blocked by breed and assigned to four treatments. The calves were or were not preconditioned before transport on commercial cattle liner to the feedlot via long (15 h) or short (3 h) hauling duration, yielding preconditioned long haul (P-L; n = 44), preconditioned short haul (P-S; n = 44), nonpreconditioned long haul (NP-L; n = 43), and nonpreconditioned short haul (NP-S; n = 43). Preconditioned calves were vaccinated and weaned 29 and 13 days, respectively, before transport. Nonpreconditioned calves were weaned 1 day before long or short hauling, penned for 24 h and hauled again for 2 h, and vaccinated on arrival at the feedlot. Fecal samples were collected from calves while on pasture, at weaning, at loading for transport, on arrival at the feedlot, twice in the first week, and on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 for enumeration of total E. coli (biotype 1) and detection of E. coli O157:H7. No calves were positive for E. coli O157:H7 before transport. Following transport, more (P < 0.005) NP-L calves (6 of 43) tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 than did P-L (1 of 44), NP-S (1 of 43), or P-S (0 of 44) calves, and on days 0, 1, 7, and 21, their levels of shedding of E. coli were higher (P < 0.005). The calves' susceptibility to infection from the environment (possibly the holding facilities or feedlot pens) was likely elevated by the stresses of weaning, transport, and relocation. Lack of preconditioning and long periods of transport (NP-L) increased fecal shedding of E. coli and E. coli O157:H7. Preconditioning may serve to reduce E. coli O157:H7 shedding by range calves on arrival at the feedlot.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

[Dynamics of the antibiotic resistance of E. coli strains isolated from cows on 2 dairy farms].

Studied was the dynamic of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli strains as isolated from fecal samples taken from 5-day-old calves that had not been offered antibacterial means. The resistance manifested was compared to that of E. coli organisms isolated from calves that had been given antibacterial agents in the course of 36 months as well as to the resistance of E. coli strains isolated from calves at 1, 3, and 5 months of age and from dam cows in the last 12 months of the experiment. A varying period was established for receding of the signs of resistance of the strains to antibiotics--6 months for E. coli to kanamycin and furazolidone, 9 months to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and gentamycin, and 15 months to streptomycin. Strains isolated from newborn calves on farms with no records of infection were shown to be susceptible to all antibiotics, while those isolated from calves on farms where enteritis was recorded remained polyresistant up to 36 months. No correlation was found between the antibiotic resistance of fecal E. coli strains from the dams and their calves.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Anthropozoonotic Giardia duodenalis genotype (assemblage) a infections in habitats of free-ranging human-habituated gorillas, Uganda.

To facilitate ecotourism and research, free-ranging mountain gorillas of Uganda have been habituated to humans. Testing of fecal samples of gorillas (n = 100), people sharing gorilla habitats (n = 62). and local pre- and postweaned cattle (n = 50) having access to these habitats with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated monoclonal antibodies revealed Giardia duodenalis cysts at prevalences of 2, 5, and 10%, respectively. The identification of G. duodenalis was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization with 2 species-specific 18-bp oligonucleotide probes conjugated to hexachlorinated 6-carboxyfluorescein. The mean pathogen concentration was 2.5, 2.8, and 0.2 x 10(4) cysts/g of the gorilla, people, and cattle feces, respectively. All cyst isolates aligned with genotype (assemblage) A, as confirmed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of a 130-bp region near the 5' end of the small subunit-ribosomal RNA gene. A single genotype (assemblage) A recovered from 3 genetically distant but geographically united host groups indicates anthropozoonotic transmission of G. duodenalis. A large percentage of the local community does not follow park regulations regarding the disposal of their fecal waste, as self-reported in a questionnaire. This genotype may have been introduced into gorilla populations through habituation activities and may have then been sustained in their habitats by anthropozoonotic transmission.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

In vitro fermentation of selected fibrous substrates by dog and cat fecal inoculum: influence of diet composition on substrate organic matter disappearance and short-chain fatty acid production.

Two in vitro fermentation experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of source of dietary fiber fed to dogs and cats on fermentative activity of their fecal microflora. In Exp. 1, six English Pointer dogs were fed a diet containing either a non-fermentable fiber (Solka Floc) or a fermentable fiber (citrus pulp). A fecal sample from each dog was used as the inoculum source to determine in vitro OM disappearance (OMD) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production from selected fibrous substrates. When data were pooled across substrates and fermentation times, a lower (P = .02) OMD (24.8 vs 29.4%) and a higher (P = .01; 3.8 vs 2.2) acetate to propionate ratio (A:P) occurred for the Solka Floc than for the citrus pulp diet. In Exp. 2, six short-hair cats were fed a diet containing no supplemental fiber (NF) or a diet containing beet pulp (BP). When data were pooled across substrates and fermentation times, NF resulted in a greater (P < .01) A:P than the BP diet (3.4 vs 1.5). The BP treatment resulted in a slightly higher (P = .07) OMD (42.0 vs 39.3%) and a higher (P = .07) propionate production (.74 vs .47 mmol/g of OM) than the NF diet. In summary, in vitro substrate OMD increased and A:P decreased when fecal inoculum from dogs and cats fed diets containing a supplemental source of fermentable fiber was used. In vitro fermentation of fibrous substrates by fecal microflora from dogs and cats increased with inclusion of fermentable fiber in the diet.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2025

Gut microbial and functional alterations lead to metagenomic signatures for midgut neuroendocrine tumor patients and for carcinoid syndrome.

Midgut neuroendocrine tumors (NET) derive from enterochromaffin cells, which have a close interrelationship with intestinal microbiota. Recently, we have utilized 16S rRNA sequencing to uncover that midgut NET patients have a depleted gut microbiome and a specific fecal microbial signature. This study aims to validate these findings and to further characterize the role of microbes and microbial metabolic pathways in midgut NET patients with and without carcinoid syndrome (CS). Fecal samples from 60 midgut NET patients and 20 household-matched controls were subjected to whole metagenome sequencing. The gut microbial community composition of midgut NET patients differed from that of controls, with 2 genera, 17 species and 9 microbial pathways showing differential abundance (P < 0.001). No differences in the microbial composition were observed between midgut NET patients with and without CS (P > 0.05). However, we did observe changes in inter-genus correlations of Bacteroides, Odoribacter, Parasutterella, Klebsiella, Ruminococcus and Proteobacteria when comparing these two patient groups. A signature of 16 microbial species (area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve 0.892) or 18 microbial pathways (AUROC 0.909) accurately predicted the presence of a midgut NET. Furthermore, a microbial signature consisting of 14 functional microbial pathways distinguished CS patients from non-CS patients (AUROC 0.807). Thus, this study confirms that the gut microbiome of midgut NET patients is altered at the metagenomic level, which is not related to the presence of CS. A fecal microbial signature could constitute a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of midgut NET or CS.

Aged↗
PubMed1982

[Viral hepatitis with clinical and epidemiological manifestations similar to hepatitis A but of a different etiology].

A case of viral hepatitis in man, appearing as the result of infection caused by pooled concentrated suspensions of fecal samples collected from patients having had repeated hepatitis infection during the period of 1-2 years, is described. Though this infection was similar to hepatitis A in many clinical and epidemiological signs, the possibility of its etiologic relationship with hepatitis virus A was positively excluded; there was also no evidence of the participation of hepatitis virus B in the process. Immunoelectron microscopy of excretions collected at the acute stage of the disease revealed the presence of spherical viral particles 27-30 nm in diameter. Antibodies capable of reacting with these particles were detected in the sera of patients having had 2 kinds of hepatitis and in the sera of patients having the 1 kind of hepatitis in the focus of infection where repeated cases of hepatitis had been observed. No such antibodies were found in the sera of patients with hepatitis A alone and in the set of standard sera specific to viruses causing hepatitis A and hepatitis non A, non B. The authors believe that 2 kinds of hepatitis with the fecal-oral mechanism of transmission exist and propose to name their causative agents hepatitis viruses A, type 1 and type 2.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Experimental hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in Callithrix jacchus: early detection of HAV antigen and viral fate.

Common marmosets (Callithrixjacchus) were orally inoculated with a Brazilian strain (HAF-203) of hepatitis A virus (HAy). Three monkeys were euthanized at postinoculation hours 6, 12 and 24 to investigate the early events of HAV infection. Following others three inoculated and one control marmosets remained throughout the 46 day to evaluation of viral excretion. Different samples were collected to detect sequential presence of HAV RNA by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in liver, saliva, bile and stools at 6 hours to 461h days postinoculation. Liver tissues were examined by immunofluorescence assay in a confocal laser-scanning microscope for the presence of HAV antigen. HAV RNA was detected in saliva during the course of the study, in bile from 24 hours to 46 days. in stools from 7 to 46 days and liver at 12 hours postinfection. In immunofluorescence of liver stained preparations, viral antigen was present at six hours after inoculation throughout the remainder of the 46-day study. The animals developed histological and biochemical acute hepatitis after second week postinoculation. Spleen, duodenum, and mesenteric lymph nodes specimens were negative for HAV antigens. This study supports the possibility that in Callithrixjacchus orally inoculated with hepatitis A virus the saliva route may be additional way of viral elimination. The viral replication in the liver was responsible for biliary HAV presence and latter HAV detection in fecal samples.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Assessment of the qualitative variation in bacterial microflora among compartments of the intestinal tract of dogs by use of a molecular fingerprinting technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the qualitative variation in bacterial microflora among compartments of the intestinal tract of dogs by use of a molecular fingerprinting technique. ANIMALS: 14 dogs (similarly housed and fed identical diets). PROCEDURE: Samples of intestinal contents were collected from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, and rectum of each dog. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the samples, and the variable V6 to V8 region of 16S ribosomal DNA (gene coding for 16S ribosomal RNA) was amplified by use of universal bacterial primers; polymerase chain reaction amplicons were separated via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Similarity indices of DGGE banding patterns were used to assess variation in the bacterial microflora among different compartments of the intestine within and among dogs. Bacterial diversity was assessed by calculating the Simpson diversity index, the Shannon-Weaver diversity index, and evenness. RESULTS: DGGE profiles indicated marked differences in bacterial composition of intestinal compartments among dogs (range of similarity, 25.6% to 36.6%) and considerable variation among compartments within individual dogs (range of similarity, 36.7% to 579%). Similarities between neighboring intestinal compartments were significantly greater than those between non-neighboring compartments. Diversity indices for the colon and rectum were significantly higher than those of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that the different intestinal compartments of individual dogs appear to host different bacterial populations, and these compartmental populations vary among dogs. In dogs, fecal sample analysis may not yield accurate information regarding the composition of bacterial populations in compartments of the gastrointestinal tract.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The carriage of Escherichia coli resistant to antibiotics in healthy populations in Shanghai.

Healthy populations represent the largest reservoir of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. We investigated the resistance of Escherichia coli to 12 antibiotics in fecal samples from untreated healthy populations in Shanghai, China by using Kirby-Bauer (K-B) method. The results showed that: (i) All subjects carried resistant strains of Escherichia coli. (ii) The carriage rates of Escherichia coli resistant to various antibiotics were different, less than 10% to amikacin and 30% to 100% to others. (iii) In the elder children group aged 10-11 years, the percentages of strains resistant to gentamicin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole were significantly lower than those in the younger group aged 5-6 years. In the adult group, the percentages of strains resistant to ampicillin, piperacillin, amikacin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole were significantly lower than those in the elder children group. (iv) The number of strains resistant to five or more antibiotics accounted for 31.8% in the younger children group, 23.7% in the elder children group, and 12.1% in the adult group. These findings suggest that all healthy people in Shanghai carry resistant strains of Escherichia coli in the intestine. The younger the populations, the higher the level of resistance of fecal Escherichia coli to antibiotics. Improvement of health behaviors and environmental sanitation and rational use of antibiotics could remarkedly decrease the resistant level of bacteria.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Experimental infection of young rabbits with a rabbit enteric coronavirus.

The clinical signs and lesions caused by the rabbit enteric coronavirus (RECV) were studied in young rabbits orally inoculated with a suspension containing RECV particles. The inoculated animals were observed daily for evidence of diarrhea. Fecal samples and specimens from the small intestine and from the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) were collected from 2 h to 29 days postinoculation (PI) and processed for immune electron microscopy (IEM) and light microscopy. Coronavirus particles were detected in the cecal contents of most inoculated animals from 6 h to 29 days PI. Lesions were first observed 6 h PI and were characterized by a loss of the brush border of mature enterocytes located at the tips of intestinal villi and by necrosis of these cells. At 48 h PI, short intestinal villi and hypertrophic crypts were noted. In the GALT, complete necrosis of the M cells as well as necrosis of the enterocytes lining the villi above the lymphoid follicules with hypertrophy of the corresponding crypts were observed in all the animals. Five inoculated rabbits had diarrhea three days PI. The presence of RECV particles in the feces of the sick animals and the microscopic lesions observed in the small intestine suggested that the virus was responsible for the clinical signs. A few inoculated rabbits remained free of diarrhea. Fecal material collected at postmortem examination contained RECV particles. The results suggest that the virus could also produce a subclinical infection.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Convenient selective differential broth for isolation of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus from fecal material.

Studies have shown that vancomycin broth enrichment is superior to direct plating for the detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), but vancomycin selective broth is not generally commercially available. We developed an easy-to-prepare VRE selective differential broth and compared it to direct plating on bile esculin azide (BEA) agar for the isolation of VRE from fecal samples. A total of 528 consecutive rectal swabs and stools were inoculated onto BEA agar and into BEA broth with vancomycin at a concentration of 15 microg/ml (BEA VAN15 microg/ml broth). After 1 to 2 days of incubation, broths were subcultured to BEA VAN6 microg/ml agar. Bile esculin-positive colonies from the direct and broth subculture plates were evaluated for the presence of VRE by standard microbiological techniques. Addition of the broth enrichment step led to the detection of significantly more VRE isolates than did direct plating alone (28 versus 18 VRE isolates, respectively). In all, 30 VRE strains were isolated from 29 cultures, all of which were Enterococcus faecium. MICs of vancomycin ranged from 32 microg/ml (n = 2) to > 256 microg/ml (n = 28). Twenty-two VRE isolates were available for further testing: sixteen exhibited a VanA phenotype and six were of the VanB phenotype. van genotypes were in agreement with phenotypes for all VRE isolates except one, which could not be genotyped. The broth method also resulted in significantly fewer bile esculin-positive, non-VRE isolates requiring further workup. We have thus developed an easily prepared vancomycin selective differential broth that is significantly more sensitive and specific in the detection of VRE than is direct fecal plating to BEA agar.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2000

Isolation of polioviruses and other enteroviruses in south Greece between 1994 and 1998.

During the five-year period between 1994 and 1998, a total of 217 clinical samples were assessed for the isolation of enteroviruses at the Enterovirus Reference Centre for South Greece. Fourteen enterovirus strains belonging to different serotypes were isolated. These field strains were detected by cell culture in appropriate cell lines. They were subsequently identified by neutralizing antibodies with the LBM (Lim-Benyesh Melnick) mixed antisera pools up to 1995 and RIVM (National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands) pools from 1996 onwards. The isolated viruses included two strains of poliovirus type 2 Sabin-like, three strains of poliovirus type 1 non-Sabin-like, one Coxsackie B2 (CBV2) strain, one Coxsackie B5 (CBV5) strain, one Echo 5 (ECV5) strain, one Echo 7 (ECV7) strain, three Coxsackie A16 (CAV16) strains, and two currently enteroviral strains unidentified by RIVM pools. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using poliovirus-specific primers or poliovirus type-specific primers and enterovirus specific primers from the highly conserved 5'-UTR, the latter followed by RFLP, was also applied in 6 clinical isolates (3 strains of poliovirus type 1 non-Sabin-like, 1 polio type 2 Sabin-like, and 2 non-identified by RIVM pools enteroviruses). The advantages and the drawbacks of these assays against the conventional ones are discussed here. The isolations and the subsequent identification of the strains were carried out from fecal samples of clinical cases that included hand-foot-and-mouth disease, meningitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. The reappearance of non-Sabin-like poliovirus strains in Greece in 1996 after 14 years is considered to have an important medical and clinical value.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Fecal neutral steroids in normal conditions and in patients with polyps or cancer of the large bowel.

There is evidence suggesting that the excretion and conversion of neutral sterols in the human large bowel might be somewhat related to the development of colorectal cancer. Therefore, our objectives were: to characterize the excretion and the major pattern of sterol degradation in normal conditions, both in children and in adults; and to investigate if abnormalities of these parameters are frequent in patients with colorectal cancer or polyps. The study has been carried out in: 38 adult volunteers; 29 children divided into 4 age groups; 22 patients with colorectal cancer; 16 members of 6 families with adenomatosis coli; 15 members of 2 families with a high prevalence of multiple polyps or cancer of the large bowel; 12 subjects with colorectal polyps without familiality. With the subjects kept under metabolic control, fecal samples were collected for at least 3 days and analyzed by thin layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography. Total neutral steroid excretion was lower in children than in adult volunteers; in contrast, there was no significant difference between the latter and the other investigated group of patients with cancer or polyps, with values ranging between 230 and 680 mg/day. All the adult volunteers were "high converters" of cholesterol to its intestinal metabolites coprostanol and coprostanone [89 +/- 10% (SE) of degradation]. Children less than 1 year old degraded little or no cholesterol (10.4 +/- 6% of total neutral sterols), whereas with increasing age the fraction of conversion became more similar to that of adults. In patients with colorectal tumors 2 populations could be defined, one characterized by a large degradation of cholesterol and the other by little or no conversion. Low degradation of cholesterol was found in 3 of 6 families with adenomatosis coli. In conclusion, we did not find any significant difference in total neutral sterol excretion among controls, colorectal cancer patients, or subjects at risk. In adult volunteers the normal pattern of cholesterol degradation is characterized by a large conversion of cholesterol to its intestinal metabolites. In children this process changes with increasing age from an absolute "nonconverter" state (after birth) to the pattern typical of adults. Finally, in a minority of patients with either polyps or cancer of the large bowel and of their first-degree relatives, cholesterol is poorly degraded and represents the most abundant fecal sterol.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

[Studies on the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica. (1) Circumoval precipitin (COP) test as a method of screening of the subjects for fecal examination (author's transl)].

Examinations were performed on 351 individuals of Shikishima village, Yamanashi Prefecture. Three fecal samples were collected at one-week intervals and examined by MIFC method without iodine. Reactions with a diameter of 9 mm or more in wheal and/or 20 mm or more in erythema were regarded as the positive for the intradermal reaction using Melcher's antigen (1 : 1,000). For the COP test, each one drop of serum and a saline suspension of eggs were mixed on a microscope slide and sealed a coverslip with vaseline. The number of eggs showing precipitates were counted after 48 hrs at 37 degrees C. The results showed that all the precipitates were small in size in the COP titer less than 40%. Medium precipitates appear first in the cases of a 40.% class and the percentage increased thereafter as the COP titer increased. Large precipitate was found in 10% of the eggs affected in a 50% class and found in 40% in the titer of a 80% class. Of 351 tested, a significant higher rate of egg-passers (42.7%, 41/96) was obtained in the COP reactors, as compared with other two groups; 19.4% (41/211) in the dermal reactors, 11.7% (41/351) in the total subjects. Moreover, the egg-passers were recovered in 60--70% of the cases in the COP titer of more than 70%. It was considered that the COP test was a useful diagnostic method for schistosomiasis japonica and the sensitivity and efficiency of this test were superior to those of intradermal test with regarded to the screening of the subjects for fecal examination.

Feces↗
PubMed2007

Prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminths found in free-ranging golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia, Primates, Callitrichidae) from Brazilian Atlantic forest.

Helminth identification and egg counts were performed in 316 fecal samples during 4 years in 199 golden lion tamarins (GLTs), Leontopithecus rosalia, from two Brazilian conservation units. Tamarin sex and age, area of occurrence and helminth co-infection were tested as potential factors that could affect helminth prevalence and egg shedding in host individuals. Three nematodes species were found at low prevalences but not in both conservation units: Ancylostomatidae (12%), Ascarididae (1%) and Tripanoxyuris minutus, an Oxyuridae (4%). Three other species had high prevalences and were found in both conservation units: one acanthocephalan, Oncicola sp. (30%), and two nematodes, Spiruridae (24%), and Trichostrongylidae (31%). These three latter helminths had distinct prevalences between the conservation units, probably due to differences in availability of helminth infective stages in each area. Prevalences were greater in females for all helminth species; this was especially the case for Oncicola sp. Sex and age differences in helminth prevalence may be associated with changes in sexual steroid levels that accompany age and reproductive status. Frequency of simultaneous infections by the two helminths considered most pathogenic (Oncicola and Trichostrongylidae) were statistically lower than expected; this may be related to: (i) higher tamarin death rate caused by the association; (ii) differences in exposure to helminth infective stages in the various areas of occurrence; (iii) and competition between these helminth species. All helminth species followed a negative binomial distribution, with stronger clumping occurring in Trichostrongylidae and in female GLTs. Distinct transmission strategies of Oncicola sp. and Spiruridae, in contrast with Trichostrongylidae, may partially explain the different clumping levels of these helminths in GLTs. Mean fecal egg counts of all helminths were not different between GLT sexes, ages or areas of occurrence. The three most common helminth species may be a threat to isolated or dense GLT populations.

Aging↗
PubMed2026

Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Intestinal Microbial Characteristics and Clinical Phenotypes in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Alterations in the gut microbiota have been associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), but longitudinal microbial changes after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and their clinical associations remain poorly understood. This single-center retrospective observational study included 6 patients with PD, stratified into high- and low-severity subgroups based on disease duration (>6 years vs &#x2264;6 years). Thirty-six fecal samples were collected before FMT and monthly for five months afterward. Microbial diversity, community structure, taxonomic composition, and predicted functional profiles were assessed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Analyses included alpha and beta diversity, taxonomic abundance, linear discriminant analysis effect size, Tax4Fun2-based functional prediction, and Spearman rank correlations between microbial features and clinical indicators. Descriptive analyses indicated differences in microbial richness, diversity, community structure, and predicted functions between severity subgroups and across post-FMT time points. At baseline, the low-severity subgroup had greater microbial richness and diversity than the high-severity subgroup, with relatively higher abundances of taxa including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. One month after FMT, richness and diversity increased from baseline in the high-severity subgroup, accompanied by changes in taxonomic composition. Both subgroups showed time-associated variation in microbial diversity and predicted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment after FMT. Predicted functions included carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, membrane transport, and signal transduction. Several operational taxonomic units correlated with indicators of motor impairment, constipation, sleep quality, functional status, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. FMT was therefore associated with longitudinal changes in gut microbial diversity, composition, and predicted functions, and specific microbial features were associated with motor and non-motor indicators. Given the small retrospective cohort, these findings are preliminary and warrant confirmation in larger controlled studies. Future studies should determine whether these microbial alterations are reproducible, persist beyond five months, reflect donor engraftment, and correspond to measurable clinical improvement after transplantation in PD.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Recovery of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex after restorative proctocolectomy: does it correlate with nocturnal continence?

PURPOSE: The rectoanal inhibitory reflex has an important role in fecal sampling and discrimination of rectal contents. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of rectoanal inhibitory reflex after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for mucosal ulcerative colitis. METHODS: The medical records of 345 patients who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis from September 1988 to May 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred patients who underwent double-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and had anorectal physiology testing within 3 months before surgery as well as after ileostomy closure (mean, 23.1; range, 3-77 months) were analyzed. Anorectal physiology testing included detecting the presence of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex, sensory threshold volume, and rectal or pouch capacity and compliance. Parameters to determine incontinence included daytime and nocturnal bowel movement frequency, nocturnal spotting, status of continence for solid or liquid stool, gas, use of pads, and lifestyle alteration were surveyed in 62 of the 100 patients at a mean of 3.9 (range, 1-9.1) years to determine the incontinence score. RESULTS: Whereas the rectoanal inhibitory reflex was noted in 96 (96 percent) patients before surgery, it was found in only 53 (53 percent) after ileostomy closure (P < 0.0001). Incontinence status data was available in only 62 of the 100 patients (32 RAIR-positive; 30 RAIR-negative). There were no significant differences between the rectoanal inhibitory reflex-positive and the rectoanal inhibitory reflex-negative groups relative to the interval between surgery and manometry (22 vs 25 months), postoperative threshold sensation volume (32 vs 31 ml), postoperative compliance (19 vs 12 cm H(2)O/ml), postoperative capacity (85 66 ml), daytime/nighttime stool frequency (6.2/2 vs 5.5/1.5), or postoperative incontinence score (3.9 vs 1.8). However, there were significant differences relative to the incidence of nocturnal soiling (12/30 (40 percent) 23/32 (72 percent), P = 0.0012) favoring the presence of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex. CONCLUSION: Preservation of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex correlated with a decrease in the incidence of nocturnal soiling after double-stapled ileoanal reservoir construction.

Adolescent↗