Bacteroides fragilis Enterotoxin Gene Sequences in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Thomas P. Prindiville, Rafik A. Sheikh, Stuart H. Cohen, Yajarayma J. Tang, Mary C. Cantrell, Joseph Silva, Jr.
Primary Institution: University of California, Davis Medical Center
Hypothesis
Is there a prevalence of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease?
Conclusion
Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis was found in 13.2% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting a link to disease activity.
Supporting Evidence
- ETBF was detected in 11 out of 83 patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
- 19.3% of patients with active inflammatory bowel disease tested positive for ETBF.
- None of the patients with inactive disease had positive tests for ETBF.
- 2.9% of control patients were positive for B. fragilis enterotoxin gene sequences.
Takeaway
This study found that a type of bacteria called Bacteroides fragilis can be present in some sick people’s poop, which might be related to their illness.
Methodology
Fecal specimens were collected and tested for B. fragilis enterotoxin gene sequences using PCR.
Limitations
The low recovery of ETBF in culture may be due to delays in specimen processing.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 83 with inflammatory bowel disease, 18 with diarrhea, and 69 controls, with a mix of ages and sexes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.023
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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