Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of neonatal intestinal microbiota in relation to the development of asthma

• Main Authors: Desager Kristine N, Vanheirstraeten Liesbeth, Vael Carl, Goossens Herman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-04-01
• Series: BMC Microbiology
• Subjects: DGGE; infant; intestinal microbiota; asthma
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2180/11/68

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The extended 'hygiene hypothesis' suggests that the initial composition of the infant gut microbiota is a key determinant in the development of atopic disease. Several studies have demonstrated that the microbiota of allergic and non-allergic infants are different even before the development of symptoms, with a critical time window during the first 6 months of life. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between early intestinal colonisation and the development of asthma in the first 3 years of life using DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a prospective birth cohort, 110 children were classified according to the API (Asthma Predictive Index). A positive index included wheezing during the first three years of life combined with eczema in the child in the first years of life or with a parental history of asthma. A fecal sample was taken at the age of 3 weeks and analysed with DGGE using universal and genus specific primers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The Asthma Predictive Index was positive in 24/110 (22%) of the children. Using universal V3 primers a band corresponding to a <it>Clostridum coccoides XIVa </it>species was significantly associated with a positive API. A <it>Bacteroides fragilis </it>subgroup band was also significantly associated with a positive API. A final DGGE model, including both bands, allowed correct classification of 73% (80/110) of the cases.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Fecal colonisation at age 3 weeks with either a <it>Bacteroides fragilis </it>subgroup or a <it>Clostridium coccoides </it>subcluster XIVa species is an early indicator of possible asthma later in life. These findings need to be confirmed in a new longitudinal follow-up study.</p>