Analysis Of Feces For Dysbiosis: Interpretation Of Results, Norms In Children And Adults

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

Analysis of feces for dysbiosis: interpretation of the results

In the intestines of an adult, an average of 2.5 to 3.5 kg of various bacteria live. The combination of these microorganisms is called microflora, and our health and well-being directly depends on the ratio of the number of its individual representatives. An imbalance in the intestinal microflora or simply dysbiosis is a very common problem in the modern world, but it is wrong to consider it an independent disease. From the point of view of the medical community, dysbiosis is only a condition (most often - temporary), against which a person can develop diseases. To prevent this from happening, at the first characteristic signs of trouble in the intestine, it is recommended to pass a feces analysis for dysbiosis, the decoding of the results of which will allow the doctor to decide on further diagnostic and therapeutic tactics.

Content:

• Why take a stool test for dysbiosis?
• Preparation for research and collection of material
• Analysis of feces for dysbiosis in infants
• Table of norms for bacteriological analysis of feces

• Decoding of research results

  • Bifidobacteria
  • Lactobacillus
  • Peptostreptococci
  • Escherichia typical
  • Escherichia lactose-negative
  • Fusobacteria
  • Bacteroids
  • Eubacteria
  • Enterococci
  • Staphylococcus saprophytic and epidermal
  • Waylonella
  • Clostridia
  • Candida
  • Other opportunistic bacteria
  • Salmonella
  • Shigella
  • Yersinia
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Escherichia hemolytic
  • Staphylococcus aureus

Success largely depends on how carefully the patient prepared for the delivery of the feces analysis and whether he collected the material correctly. When it comes to diagnosing intestinal dysbiosis in infants and young children, it becomes necessary to discuss some of the subtleties. Today we will tell you what signs and symptoms are indications for conducting such a study, which is shown by the analysis of feces for dysbiosis (decoding of the results and norms in the table), in what ways are violations of the balance of the intestinal microflora determined, why they arise and what consequences can lead …

We draw your attention to the fact that the information provided is for informational purposes only and does not replace the need for qualified medical care. Dysbacteriosis is a serious pathological condition that has a detrimental effect on digestion, metabolism, immune status and many other aspects of human health, therefore it requires a visit to a doctor!

Find out more: Intestinal dysbiosis - causes, symptoms, how to treat?

Why take a stool test for dysbiosis?

The trillions of bacteria living in our body are in symbiotic interaction with us, that is, they receive their benefits from the host, while simultaneously benefiting him. But this statement is true for all microorganisms to varying degrees: some of them are more desirable guests for a person, some are less, and some are “persona non grata”. The analysis of feces for dysbiosis is precisely carried out in order to establish a numerical ratio between the colonies of bacteria that inhabit the intestine.

Indications for the purpose of the study:

• Diarrhea or constipation;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Flatulence;
• Severity, discomfort, bloating, abdominal pain;
• Suspected intestinal infection;
• Sudden weight loss for no apparent reason;
• Intolerance to certain foods;
• Allergic reactions, skin rashes;
• Visible pathological impurities in the feces (mucus, blood, pus).

It is highly desirable to pass a feces analysis for dysbiosis after undergoing prolonged therapy with antibacterial or hormonal agents - decoding the results of the study will allow you to establish how much the treatment has affected the composition of the intestinal microflora, whether its correction is required.

There are three methods for this:

• Coproscopy is a kind of “complete stool analysis”, the very first step in diagnosing bowel disorders. The result of the study is a coprogram - a form with indicators, including the color, shape, consistency and smell of feces, information about the presence or absence of hidden blood, pus, mucus, parasites and their eggs, undigested food debris, atypical cells and tissue fragments. If the result is alarming, the doctor will prescribe additional diagnostic procedures;

• Bacteriological analysis of feces - in other words, sowing in a nutrient medium. After 4-5 days, the bacteria will multiply, and the laboratory assistant will be able to draw a conclusion about the number of the main representatives of the intestinal microflora in 1 gram of material (CFU / g). It is about this study that we are talking about today - it is simple and affordable, it is performed in any hospital and still serves as the leading method for determining dysbiosis in children and adults. However, such an analysis requires very strict adherence to the rules for the preparation and collection of material, and also takes too much time, so an alternative method was invented;
• Stool biochemical analysis is a modern diagnostic procedure based on spectrum gas-liquid chromatography of fatty acids. Deciphering the results of the study becomes possible within a few hours, it reflects, among other things, the balance of the intestinal parietal microflora. Stool biochemistry is a more sensitive and accurate method, even yesterday's sample is suitable for it, since the fatty acids secreted by bacteria in the process of vital activity remain unchanged for a long time. A biochemical analysis of feces for dysbiosis even allows you to establish a specific part of the intestine in which a failure occurred. The method has only one drawback - it is not available in every laboratory.

The norms of biochemical analysis of feces are presented in the table:

Index	Absolute value (mg / g)	Relative value (units)
Acetic acid (C2)	5.35-6.41	0.612-0.656
Propionic acid (C3)	1.63-1.95	0.180-0.198
Butyric acid (C4)	1.60-1.90	0.167-0.185
IsoCn / Cn	0.29-0.57	0.30-0.60
Total acid content	8.01-13.01	9.00-12.01
Anaerobic index	-0.686 to -0.466	-0.576 to -0.578

Preparation for research and collection of material

It is very important not only to correctly collect feces for analysis for dysbiosis, but also to deliver the sample on time, as well as observe all the details of preparation.

Let's start in order:

• If you have undergone antibiotic treatment, keep in mind that it makes sense to take a stool test to determine disturbances in the balance of intestinal microflora no earlier than two weeks after the end of therapy;
• Three days before the examination, it is necessary to stop using laxatives, antidiarrheal and anthelmintic drugs, NSAIDs, pro and prebiotics, castor and vaseline oil, barium and bismuth preparations;
• It is necessary to purchase a sterile plastic container with a spoon and a tight-fitting lid, specially designed for collecting and transporting feces for analysis, in advance at the pharmacy or obtain in the laboratory;
• Defecation should take place naturally, without the use of an enema or any other aids;
• Do not collect a sample for analysis from the toilet. For these purposes, you need to prepare any convenient container, which should be thoroughly washed, doused with boiling water, dried, and defecate into it;
• Before starting the process, you must urinate, then wash and dry yourself. In no case should urine or discharge from the genital tract get into the collected sample. If a woman is menstruating, a tampon should be used;
• When the bowel movement has taken place, it is necessary to open the prepared container, take a spoon and collect a little material from different parts of the feces: from the middle, from the surface. If you see a suspicious area containing mucus or blood that is different in consistency or color from the surrounding feces, be sure to place it in a container! In total, 6-8 spoons of feces will be needed for analysis;
• Close the container tightly and bring the sample to the laboratory no later than 2 hours after collection.

Most of the bacteria that make up the intestinal microflora are anaerobic, therefore, under the influence of open air, they gradually die. That is why it is so important to pass the feces analysis for dysbiosis on time - only then the decoding of the results will be reliable.

If you are undergoing biochemical testing, the urgency is not so significant - you can even freeze the sample and bring it to the laboratory the next day. This is especially convenient for parents of babies and young children, because it is not known whether it will be possible to collect feces from the child for analysis early in the morning - he may simply not want to go to the toilet.

Analysis of feces for dysbiosis in infants

The norms of bacteriological examination of feces in newborns, infants and older children are somewhat different from the same indicators in adults, and the younger the child, the more pronounced these differences. They are associated with the gradual colonization of the child's body with bacteria. And this process, in turn, takes place differently in babies who are naturally or artificially fed. We will talk about this in more detail when decoding the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis in the table.

The composition of the intestinal microflora of infants may undergo undesirable changes due to infection with nosocomial infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, yeast-like fungi, and so on. At best, this will lead to temporary and minor health problems, and at worst - to serious illness. Therefore, parents need to carefully monitor the behavior and well-being of the baby, the condition of his skin and mucous membranes, the frequency and appearance of bowel movements, especially if you recently had a chance to undergo hospital treatment.

It is necessary to pass an analysis of feces for dysbiosis to an infant if the following symptoms are present:

• Frequent and violent belching after feeding, more like vomiting;
• Bloating and colic in the abdomen, flatulence;
• Poor appetite;
• Difficulty introducing complementary foods;
• Signs of intolerance to certain products;
• Rashes, spots on the skin and / or mucous membranes;
• Recent antibiotic or hormonal therapy;
• Any problems with stool - frequency abnormalities, abnormal appearance or smell of feces, the presence of pathological impurities (blood, mucus, pus).

In order for the decoding of the research results to give objective results, it is necessary to properly prepare for the analysis:

• Refuse to introduce a new complementary food at least 3-4 days before the visit to the laboratory;
• The day before, do not give your baby vegetables or fruits that can change the color of stool (carrot puree, red and black berries, beet juice, and so on);
• Stop taking any medications a few days before your test, including laxatives and vitamins. It is advisable to complete antibiotic therapy 2 weeks before the study. It is better to inform the doctor about all medications taken by the child and consult on the timing of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis;
• Purchase a sterile plastic container with a spoon. A sample of baby feces can be taken from the surface of the diaper, but only if the filler is not gel. It is best to use a clean cotton diaper and iron it with a hot iron. To conduct a study, it is enough to collect 2 spoons of material.

Table of norms for bacteriological analysis of feces

Flora type	Index	Babies	Children over 1 year old	Adults
Useful flora	Bifidobacteria	10 10 - 10 11	10 9 - 10 10	10 8 - 10 10
	Lactobacillus	10 6 - 10 7	10 7 - 10 8	10 6 - 10 8
Conditionally pathogenic flora	Peptostreptococci	10 3 - 10 5	10 5 - 10 6	10 5 - 10 6
	Escherichia typical	10 6 - 10 7	10 7 - 10 8	10 6 - 10 8
	Escherichia lactose-negative	≤10 5	≤10 5	≤10 5
	Fusobacteria	≤10 6	10 8 - 10 9	10 8 - 10 9
	Bacteroids	10 7 - 10 8	10 9 - 10 10	10 9 - 10 10
	Eubacteria	10 6 - 10 7	10 9 - 10 10	10 9 - 10 10
	Enterococci	10 5 - 10 7	10 5 - 10 8	10 5 - 10 8
	Staphylococcus saprophytic and epidermal	≤10 4	≤10 4	≤10 4
	Waylonella	≤10 5	10 5 - 10 6	10 5 - 10 6
	Clostridia	≤10 3	≤10 5	≤10 5
	Candida	≤10 3	≤10 4	≤10 4
	Other opportunistic bacteria	≤10 4	≤10 4	≤10 4
Pathogenic flora	Salmonella	negative (absent)	negative (absent)	negative (absent)
	Shigella	negative (absent)	negative (absent)	negative (absent)
	Yersinia	negative (absent)	negative (absent)	negative (absent)
	Pseudomonas aeruginosa	negative (absent)	negative (absent)	negative (absent)
	Escherichia hemolytic	negative (absent)	negative (absent)	negative (absent)
	Staphylococcus aureus	negative (absent)	negative (absent)	negative (absent)

Decoding of research results

The entire intestinal microflora can be divided into three groups:

• Beneficial bacteria - they play an extremely positive role in the life of the human body, so it is very important that there are enough of them. We are talking about bifidobacteria and lactobacilli;
• Conditionally pathogenic bacteria - some of them, being in balance with other members of the microflora, even bring certain benefits. But if their colonies multiply too much, and antagonist colonies thin out, these bacteria turn from conventional enemies into real enemies. This happens especially often against the background of a decrease in immune defense. We are talking, for example, about candidiasis, enterococci or clostridia;
• Pathogenic bacteria - they should not be in the body of a healthy person. There is no benefit from them, only problems. If the immune system does not cope with the attack of such microorganisms, this will lead to the development of a serious disease. We are talking about Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella and other "unwanted guests" of the intestine.

Now we will consider the main representatives of the intestinal microflora in more detail. In the form with the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis, some of the following bacteria may be absent - laboratories have different rules, especially private ones. Therefore, it is better to entrust the decoding of indicators to a qualified doctor, and here we just give the established norms and point out the reasons for possible deviations.

Bifidobacteria

The name of this microorganism comes from the Latin words "bacteria" and "bifidus", that is, "divided in two". Indeed, bifidobacterium looks like a curved rod 2-5 microns long, bifurcated at the ends. It belongs to the class of gram-positive anaerobes. The intestinal microflora of a healthy person is approximately 95% bifidobacteria. Norms for babies under one year old are 10 in the tenth or eleventh degree CFU / g, and for older children and adults - 10 in the ninth or tenth degree CFU / g.

A deficiency of these beneficial bacteria is the main reason for going to the doctor with complaints of intestinal problems and referrals for stool analysis for dysbiosis - the interpretation of the results almost always indicates a decrease in their number. Without a sufficient number of bifidobacteria, the absorption of vitamins and microelements is disturbed, carbohydrate metabolism suffers, local immunity decreases, and the toxic load of the liver and kidneys increases. It is quite simple to correct the intestinal microflora and fill the deficiency of bifidobacteria - there are many specialized drugs for this.

Bifidobacteria in feces are reduced - reasons:

• Long-term therapy with antibiotics, hormones, NSAIDs, laxatives, antihelminthics;
• Poor nutrition - an excess of carbohydrates or fats in the diet, fasting, rigid mono-diets;
• Artificial feeding of infants, introduction of complementary foods too early;
• Congenital fermentopathies - intolerance to lactose, fructose, gluten and other food components;
• Immunodeficiency states, allergies;
• Intestinal infections - dysentery, salmonellosis, yersiniosis;
• Parasitic invasions - ascariasis, enterobiasis, giardiasis;
• Chronic gastrointestinal diseases - enterocolitis, cholecystitis, gastritis, pancreatitis, gastric ulcer;
• Emotional stress;
• Abrupt climate change.

Lactobacillus

The name of these beneficial participants in the intestinal microflora comes from the Latin word "varnish", which means "milk". There are many species of them, inhabiting, among other things, other internal organs, for example, female genital organs. Lactobacilli belong to gram-positive facultative anaerobic microorganisms, look like thin rods and make up about 3% of the total mass of all bacteria living in the intestine. According to the decoding of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis, the norm of their content in infants is 10 in the sixth or seventh degree CFU / g, and in adult patients - 10 in the seventh or eighth degree CFU / g.

Lactobacilli produce organic acids, thereby maintaining the correct pH balance in the intestines. In addition, they are involved in membrane digestion, namely, they break down milk sugar, preventing the occurrence of lactase deficiency. Normal assimilation of milk is, in principle, impossible without a sufficient amount of lactobacilli. A person also needs them as stimulants of local immunity, since, being foreign elements, they spur the activity of immunocompetent cells inhabiting the parietal zone of the intestine. Lactobacilli are also involved in the metabolism of bile acids, promote normal peristalsis, prevent feces from becoming too hard, and therefore indirectly prevent the development of constipation.

Lactobacilli in feces are reduced - reasons:

• Long-term antibiotic therapy without the support of pre- and probiotics, uncontrolled intake of NSAIDs (aspirin, analgin, ibuprofen), the use of laxatives or anthelmintic drugs;
• Unbalanced diet, fasting, mono diets;
• Artificial feeding or too early introduction of complementary foods in infants;
• Acute intestinal infections;
• Chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
• Severe stress.

Peptostreptococci

These bacteria belong to conditionally pathogenic flora, they are small rounded cells, knotted into short chains and able to move with the help of movement organelles - cilia. Peptostreptococci are gram-positive non-spore-forming anaerobes; they live in the oral cavity, vagina, intestines and on the skin, and they account for up to 18% of all gram-positive anaerobic cocci living in the human body. When deciphering the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis, the norm for the content of peptostreptococci in children under one year old is a maximum of 10 to the fifth degree CFU / g, and in adults - a maximum of 10 to the sixth degree CFU / g.

Peptostreptococci play a modest role in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and also produce hydrogen, which is needed to maintain a healthy acid-base balance in the intestines. However, their number should be strictly controlled by the immune system and other members of the microflora. Excessively multiplied colonies of peptostreptococci can cause mixed abdominal infections together with other opportunistic and pathogenic bacterial strains. For example, in 20% of cases of peritonitis, peptostreptococci appear. They are also sown for gynecological inflammatory diseases, as well as for purulent abscesses in the oral cavity.

Peptostreptococci in feces are increased - reasons:

• Acute intestinal infection;
• Chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
• An excess of sugars in the diet.

Escherichia typical

E. coli (Escherichia coli, typical Escherichia) is a gram-negative facultatively anaerobic non-spore-forming bacterium, most of the strains of which are conditionally pathogenic and are a natural participant in the microflora of internal organs. Already within the first forty hours after birth, the intestines of the child are colonized with Escherichia. When deciphering the results of stool analysis for dysbiosis, the norm of E. coli in infants is 10 in the sixth or seventh degree CFU / g, and in older babies and adults - 10 in the seventh or eighth degree CFU / g. In comparison with other microorganisms, E. coli forms up to 1% of the total mass of bacteria living in the intestine.

Typical Escherichia benefits a person: it participates in the synthesis of vitamins B and K, in the metabolism of cholesterol, bilirubin and choline, in the absorption of iron and calcium. Escherichia coli produces a number of necessary acids (acetic, lactic, succinic, formic), colicin substances that are harmful to pathogenic bacteria, and also takes excess oxygen from the intestines, which is harmful to lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. That is why, despite the opportunistic status of E. coli, its deficiency is highly undesirable.

Escherichia in feces are lowered - reasons:

• Long-term therapy with antibacterial drugs;
• Acute intestinal infection;
• Parasitic invasion;
• Unbalanced diet;
• Artificial feeding of babies.

Escherichia lactose-negative

The presence of this strain in the interpretation of the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis is quite acceptable. The norm of the content of lactose-negative Escherichia coli in the intestines in children and adults is no more than 10 CFU / g to the fifth degree.

Exceeding this indicator is an alarming sign, especially in combination with a deficiency of full-fledged Escherichia. The lactose-negative strain does not perform the functions that are assigned to E. coli, but simply takes place uselessly. In conditions of decreased immunity, E. coli - "parasite" will act on the side of harmful bacteria and aggravate the course of the inflammatory process, if it starts. In young children, an increased content of lactose-negative Escherichia in the feces indirectly indicates helminthic invasion, therefore, such an analysis result requires additional examination.

Fusobacteria

They belong to gram-negative anaerobes, are polymorphic, while they do not have organelles of movement, do not form spores and capsules. In appearance, fusobacteria are thin rods 2-3 microns long with pointed ends. They are natural participants in the microflora of the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and genitals. According to the standards for the analysis of feces for dysbiosis, in the intestines of infants, the content of fusobacteria up to 10 in the sixth degree CFU / g is allowed, in adult patients - up to 10 in the eighth degree CFU / g.

Fusobacteria are conditionally pathogenic, while they do not perform any useful function in the human body, unless they enter into competitive interaction with other, more potentially dangerous microorganisms. Some types of fusobacteria in conditions of immunodeficiency can provoke purulent-septic inflammation. Weakened children and the elderly with severe angina can develop a formidable complication - fusospirochetosis. It is a necrotic process that affects the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

Bacteroids

These are conditionally pathogenic gram-negative rod-shaped anaerobes. They are the second largest participants in the natural intestinal microflora after bifidobacteria. Deciphering the results of stool analysis for dysbiosis implies the following norms for bacteroids: in children under one year old - 10 in the seventh or eighth degree CFU / g, in adult patients - 10 in the ninth or 10 in the tenth degree CFU / g. It is noteworthy that in babies up to 6-8 months of age, these bacteria are not sown, especially if the child is breastfed and does not receive early complementary foods.

Bacteroids in normal concentration are useful - they take part in the metabolism of fats. But if they multiply excessively, they will begin to compete with E. coli for oxygen, and this threatens digestive disorders, a deficiency of vitamins and trace elements, a decrease in local immunity and other problems (we talked about the useful role of typical Escherichia above). Their direct antagonists, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, restrain the growth of the bacteroid population. Therefore, if the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis indicate an excess of the concentration of bacteroids in the intestine, it is recommended to drink a course of appropriate drugs to restore healthy microflora.

Bacteroids in feces are elevated - reasons:

• Excessive fat intake;
• Deficiency of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Bacteroids in feces are reduced - reasons:

• Long-term therapy with antibacterial agents;
• Acute intestinal infection;
• Parasitic invasion.

Eubacteria

Gram-positive anaerobes are shaped like thick short columns or flattened spheres, have rigid cell walls, and do not form spores. Eubacteria belong to the representatives of the natural intestinal microflora, however, they are conditionally pathogenic, since some of their strains can provoke inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, respiratory system, genitals, joints, heart, brain, and can also cause postoperative complications. The norms for the content of eubacteria in the intestine when decoding the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis are as follows: for infants - 10 in the sixth or seventh degree CFU / g, for older children, adults and the elderly - 10 in the ninth or tenth degree CFU / g.

From these figures, it becomes obvious that eubacteria are a fairly numerous representative of the intestinal microflora. It is noteworthy that in babies under one year old who are breastfed, these bacteria are sown extremely rarely, while in artificial children they are almost always present. Eubacteria in the right concentration are beneficial for the body - they participate in cholesterol metabolism and hormonal metabolism, synthesize important organic acids, ferment carbohydrates, produce vitamins, and break down cellulose. However, an excessive amount of them, especially in conditions of reduced immune defenses, can pose a health hazard.

An excess of indicators of the content of eubacteria in feces is a specific marker of the presence of polyps in the large intestine, therefore, it necessarily requires additional examination (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy).

Enterococci

Gram-positive facultative anaerobic cocci, habitually connecting in pairs or chains that do not form spores. Enterococci belong to the opportunistic flora, are present in the intestines of people of any age and make up up to 25% of all coccal forms living there. Normal indicators of the content of enterococci in decoding the analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis: in infants - from 10 to the fifth degree to 10 to the seventh degree CFU / g, in older children and adult patients - from 10 to the fifth degree to 10 to the eighth degree CFU / g.

Enterococci perform some useful functions: they are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, the synthesis of vitamins and the maintenance of local immunity. However, the population of enterococci should not outnumber the population of E. coli, otherwise the latter will begin to die in competitive confrontation. The opinion of doctors regarding the harmlessness of enterococci has recently lost its relevance. Mutated strains have appeared that are resistant to the most powerful antibiotics: beta-lactam penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and even vancomycin. There are cases of nosocomial infections, postoperative complications and inflammatory diseases caused by enterococci, including meningitis and endocarditis.

Enterococci in the feces are increased - causes:

• Autoimmune pathologies;
• Immunodeficiency states;
• Allergy;
• Parasitic invasions;
• Poor nutrition;
• Long-term antibiotic therapy;
• Lack of Escherichia coli.

Staphylococcus saprophytic and epidermal

Gram-positive facultative anaerobic cocci with a diameter of up to 1.2 microns, non-spore-forming, immobile, connecting in groups like grape bunches. Saprophytic staphylococcus lives mainly in the urogenital tract, and epidermal, as the name implies, on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. Both of these species belong to conditionally pathogenic microflora and can normally be present in the interpretation of the results of stool analysis for dysbiosis: up to 10 cfu / g in the fourth degree in children and adults.

While these staphylococci are controlled by the immune system, they cannot cause significant harm to human health. But there is no benefit from them either. Colonies of saprophytic staphylococcus that have multiplied in the intestine can cause acute cystitis or urethritis if improperly wiped after using the toilet, and epidermal - for example, conjunctivitis as a result of rubbing the eyes with dirty hands. An excess of the indicator of the content of these types of staphylococcus in the feces is definitely an unfavorable sign, and if it is significant, then the patient may need antibiotic therapy.

Waylonella

Gram-negative anaerobic cocci, very small, immobile and non-spore-forming, habitually grouping in irregular spots. Veilonella belong to opportunistic microorganisms and coexist peacefully with humans, however, some of their strains can provoke purulent-septic inflammatory processes. When decoding the results of stool analysis for dysbacteriosis, the following norms are used: for babies under one year old - less than or equal to 10 to the fifth degree CFU / g, for older children and adults - 10 to the fifth or sixth degree CFU / g. It is noteworthy that under the condition of natural feeding, Veilonella is sown in less than half of the infants.

These bacteria have a useful function - they break down lactic acid. In addition, there are scientific studies showing an indirect link between Veilonella deficiency and the risk of asthma in children. But there are types of these bacteria that have pronounced paradontogenic properties - microbes accumulate in dental plaques, cause inflammation of the gums and loss of teeth. And, for example, Veillonella parvula provokes colitis in humans. In addition, even beneficial Veilonella strains, in conditions of excess in the intestine, lead to increased gas production, dyspepsia and diarrhea.

Clostridia

Gram-positive obligate-anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria capable of reproduction by endospores. The name "clostridia" comes from the Greek word for "spindle", and this is not accidental: located in the center of the spore, as a rule, it has a larger diameter than the cell itself, because of which it swells and becomes like a spindle. The genus Clostridia is very numerous - among them there are both representatives of the opportunistic flora and causative agents of dangerous diseases (tetanus, botulism, gas gangrene). The norm of the content of clostridia in the feces when decoding the analysis for dysbiosis is as follows: in infants - no more than 10 in the third degree CFU / g, in adults - no more than 10 in the fourth degree CFU / g.

Clostridia perform a useful function - they are involved in the metabolism of proteins. The metabolic products are substances called indole and skatole. In fact, these are poisons, but in small quantities they stimulate peristalsis, promoting fecal matter and preventing the development of constipation. If the concentration of Clostridia in the intestine is too high, it will lead to putrid dyspepsia, the vivid symptoms of which are watery diarrhea with a foul odor, nausea, bloating, flatulence, colic, and sometimes an increase in body temperature. Against the background of a weakened immune system and in association with other pathogenic bacteria, clostridia can cause necrotizing enterocolitis, cystitis, urethritis, vaginitis, prostatitis and many other inflammatory diseases.

Candida

Yeast-like fungi-deuteromycetes, single-celled microorganisms of a round or oval shape, forming pseudomycelium, that is, long thin filaments. The most common species are Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. They inhabit the human body during the first year of life, live on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and genitals, as well as in the intestines. Candida is a bright representative of the opportunistic flora. When decoding the results of stool analysis for dysbiosis, it is customary to adhere to the following norms: no more than 10 CFU / g in the fourth degree for patients of any age.

Candida is involved in the regulation of pH levels, so if their number is within acceptable limits, they are beneficial to humans. But if yeast-like fungi multiply too much, this will lead to the development of local or even systemic candidiasis. Fungi affect the oral cavity (candidal stomatitis), the rectum (candidal proctitis), the vagina ("thrush") and so on. All these diseases, in addition to being extremely unpleasant, accompanied by itching, pain and discharge, are also difficult to treat. After all, yeast-like fungi are one of the most tenacious and rapidly multiplying microorganisms.

Candida in feces is increased - reasons:

• Carbohydrate abuse, love of sweets;
• Long-term antibiotic therapy without antifungal support;
• Use of hormonal contraceptives;
• Pregnancy;
• Diabetes;
• Emotional stress;
• Climate change.

Other opportunistic bacteria

According to the results of bacterial sowing of feces into the nutrient medium, other opportunistic microbes, for example, Klebsiella, Hafnia, Serrata, Proteus, Enterobacter bacteria, Citrobacter or Morganella, can be detected. They are all lactose-negative bacteria with varying degrees of potential health hazard. Normally, their total content in the intestine should not exceed 10 CFU / g to the fourth degree. If the test shows an upward bias, the culprit bacterium is added to the results sheet as an additional indicator. A significant increase in the number of conditionally pathogenic flora (10 to the sixth degree CFU / g and more) requires further examination and treatment.

The most unpleasant representatives of this group of bacteria:

• Klebsiella - antagonists of lactobacilli, cause allergies, constipation, lactase deficiency. Pretend to be greening and sour smell of feces, the presence of mucus in them (fermentative dyspepsia);
• Proteins - lead to the development of constipation, can cause an acute intestinal infection with febrile syndrome. When it enters the genitourinary tract, it provokes cystitis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis.

Salmonella

Gram-negative facultative anaerobic non-spore-forming bacteria have the form of thin rods up to 7 microns long, can move with the help of flagella.

Pathogenic for humans, normally, when decoding the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis, Salmonella should be absent! These microbes cause a serious illness - an acute intestinal infection of the same name.

You can become infected with salmonellosis from a sick person, as well as as a result of eating infected meat, milk, poultry or eggs. It is chicken eggs that are the leading source of the spread of Salmonella, so their heat treatment is simply necessary, especially if the dish is offered to a small child. Freezing, salting and smoking meat does not kill Salmonella! It also requires long cooking, stewing or baking.

Shigella

Gram-negative facultative anaerobic immobile non-spore-forming bacteria, in appearance, are short (up to 3 μm) rods with rounded ends. Shigella - relatives of Salmonella, they belong to the same family, are also pathogenic to humans.

In the form with the results of the analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis, there should be a minus opposite the shigella - normally these bacteria are absent! They cause the disease shigellosis, more commonly known as dysentery. It is an acute intestinal infection with high fever, colic, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

You can get dysentery by fecal-oral or contact-household way. Most often, from a sick person, through dirty water, unwashed hands, vegetables, fruits. Flies and cockroaches can also spread shigellosis.

Yersinia

Gram-negative facultative anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria 2-4 microns long, pathogenic for humans, when considering the results of stool analysis for dysbacteriosis in the column "Yersinia" there should be a dash or abbreviation "neg".

These microbes provoke yersiniosis - an acute intestinal infection, the clinical picture of which consists of a febrile syndrome, dyspeptic disorders, abdominal pain and skin rashes.

Yersinia live in the soil, and people usually become infected with them as a result of everyday communication with sick pets (hamsters, rabbits, cats, dogs, parrots) or by eating food and water, which for some reason came into contact with the pet. You can also get infected with yersiniosis while caring for livestock (pigs, cows, chickens).

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Gram-negative obligate-aerobic motile bacterium in the form of short (up to 5 μm) straight or curved rods with rounded ends. Scientists disagree as to which group of microorganisms should be attributed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa: opportunistic or pathogenic flora? If we talk about decoding the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis, then it is better if this bacterium is not sown.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa provokes the development of inflammatory processes in the digestive tract, urogenital area, respiratory tract, heart, soft tissues. It is the source of 20% of nosocomial infections, 25% of purulent-septic postoperative complications, 35% of all abscesses and phlegmon.

The easiest way to get infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is from a sick person, by airborne droplets or by household contact. It is also transmitted through contaminated food and dirty water.

Escherichia hemolytic

Hemolytic or hemolyzing Escherichia is a type of Escherichia coli pathogenic for humans. The word "hemolysis", from which its name comes, means the death of red blood cells - erythrocytes. In the form with the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis, it should normally be indicated that the patient does not have hemolytic Escherichia.

This microorganism causes the development of escherichosis, an acute disease that is accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache and dizziness, general weakness and dehydration. All these symptoms are the result of the toxic effects of hemolytic Escherichia coli.

You can get it through contaminated food and water. The consolation is that for a large-scale disease, a fairly large number of Escherichia must enter the digestive tract, the disease proceeds quickly (3-6 days) and rarely causes complications. But for elderly, debilitated patients and young children, hemolytic E. coli can pose a serious threat!

Staphylococcus aureus

To conclude our today's conversation about decoding the results of the analysis of feces for dysbiosis, we want to describe the most insidious representative of the pathogenic intestinal flora - Staphylococcus aureus. Although, it would be more correct to classify it as a conditionally pathogenic bacteria, if only because a quarter of the world's population is an asymptomatic carrier of it, that is, Staphylococcus aureus can be restrained by the forces of immunity. Some doctors consider the content of this microbe in a test stool sample in a concentration of 10 to the third degree CFU / g to be acceptable, but there are also such specialists who consider an extremely negative indicator to be the norm.

Most people acquire an "uninvited guest" in childhood, as a result of the nosocomial spread of Staphylococcus aureus or bacterial infection in a preschool educational institution. For the first time, the ingress of a large amount of the pathogen into the body of a child or an adult after 4-5 hours causes vivid symptoms of intestinal infection: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea with mucus and bloody streaks, dehydration, fever, weakness, lack of appetite, dizziness, sometimes - hypotension. It is very difficult to treat the disease - Staphylococcus aureus is extremely resistant to antibacterial drugs. Therapy usually involves the simultaneous normalization of the intestinal microflora and the stimulation of the immune system, if required. To avoid such serious problems,you must carefully follow the rules of personal hygiene, especially when visiting public places, and teach your children to do this. Take care of yourself and be healthy!

Find out more: Staphylococcus aureus in adults - causes, symptoms and degrees. How is it transmitted?

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".