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Open Access 01-08-2010 | Original

Impact of digestive and oropharyngeal decontamination on the intestinal microbiota in ICU patients

Authors: Robin F. Benus, Hermie J. Harmsen, Gjalt W. Welling, Rob Spanjersberg, Jan G. Zijlstra, John E. Degener, Tjip S. van der Werf

Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 8/2010

Abstract

Purpose

Selective digestive microbial decontamination (SDD) is hypothesized to benefit patients in intensive care (ICU) by suppressing Gram-negative potential pathogens from the colon without affecting the anaerobic intestinal microbiota. The purpose of this study was to provide more insight to the effects of digestive tract and oropharyngeal decontamination on the intestinal microbiota by means of a prospective clinical trial in which faecal samples were collected from ICU patients for intestinal microbiota analysis.

Methods

The faecal samples were collected from ICU patients enrolled in a multicentre trial to study the outcome of SDD and selective oral decontamination (SOD) in comparison with standard care (SC). Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to analyze the faecal microbiota. The numbers of bacteria from different bacterial groups were compared between the three regimens.

Results

The total counts of bacteria per gram faeces did not differ between regimens. The F. prausnitzii group of bacteria, representing an important group among intestinal microbiota, was significantly reduced in the SDD regimen compared to the SC and SOD. The Enterobacteriaceae were significantly suppressed during SDD compared to both SOD and SC; enterococci increased in SDD compared to both other regimens.

Conclusions

The composition of the intestinal microbiota is importantly affected by SDD. The F. prausnitzii group was significantly suppressed during SDD. This group of microbiota is a predominant producer of butyrate, the main energy source for colonocytes. Reduction of this microbiota is an important trade-off while reducing gram-negative bacteria by SDD.

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Title: Impact of digestive and oropharyngeal decontamination on the intestinal microbiota in ICU patients
Authors: Robin F. Benus
Hermie J. Harmsen
Gjalt W. Welling
Rob Spanjersberg
Jan G. Zijlstra
John E. Degener
Tjip S. van der Werf
Publication date: 01-08-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine / Issue 8/2010
Print ISSN: 0342-4642
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-010-1826-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Impact of digestive and oropharyngeal decontamination on the intestinal microbiota in ICU patients

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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