Analysis for bacteria in the intestines. Analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis is important information. What is dysbiosis

Fecal analysis for dysbacteriosis is a popular study that requires compliance with certain rules when collecting and transporting material. It is he who is the reason for starting the treatment of a disease whose existence is not recognized by world medicine.
What does this analysis show?

What is this?

An analysis for dysbacteriosis is a laboratory study with which you can roughly determine the composition of the intestinal microflora. Since problems with the digestion of food and the absorption of useful substances from it can serve as a reason for the appearance of various abnormalities, sowing feces for dysbacteriosis can be prescribed if there is:

• stool disorders;
• suspected intestinal infections;
• feelings of discomfort in the abdomen;
• bloating;
• allergic reactions;
• intolerance to certain foods;
• rashes on the skin.

Feces for dysbacteriosis are taken to determine the nature of violations of the intestinal biocenosis by the presence and quantity:

• bifidobacteria;
• coli;
• lactobacilli;
• staphylococci;
• fungi;
• enterobacteria;
• clostridia;
• salmonella;
• shigella;
• dysentery bacillus and other pathogenic microorganisms.

Kinds

An analysis for dysbacteriosis can be carried out in specialized bacteriological or multidisciplinary laboratories using two methods:

Important: during a bacteriological study, pathogenic microorganisms can be detected and their sensitivity to existing antibiotics can be determined. Thus, the most effective treatment can be selected.

In addition to studies of feces for microbiological composition, all patients without exception with suspected dysbacteriosis are prescribed coproscopy. In the course of it, the appearance of fecal masses is evaluated, since the color of feces during dysbacteriosis usually changes and becomes somewhat greenish. But the main purpose of this analysis is to identify in the feces:

Deciphering the analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis is the task of the attending physician. For each age category of patients, there are standards for analysis of dysbacteriosis. They are widely available, so everyone can pre-evaluate their results on their own.

This is what the results sheet looks like

When diagnosing intestinal dysbacteriosis, it should be taken into account that the results of the study are significantly influenced by factors such as:

• Contact with air. Anaerobic microorganisms are always present in the composition of the intestinal microflora, that is, those that do not require oxygen for their vital activity, and contact with air can even be detrimental to them. Since it will not be possible to collect feces in such a way as to completely prevent contact with air, it must be understood that the actual number of anaerobes of various types in the intestine is greater than the analyzes show, and the magnitude of this difference depends on the rate of collection of the material and the species composition of the microflora.
• Time between collection and analysis. The information content of the study decreases in direct proportion to the amount of time elapsed between the collection of material and the analysis, since some of the microorganisms contained in it die.
• A study of feces for dysbacteriosis gives an idea only of the composition of the microflora located in the intestinal lumen, but it practically does not provide information about the microorganisms that live on its walls. Although it is the parietal bacteria that are the subject of interest of gastroenterologists, because they are responsible for the quality of digestion and the absorption of substances from food.

Thus, the analysis of feces provides only approximate information about the composition of the intestinal microflora.

How to take a stool test?

To get the most reliable test results, you need to know how to collect feces for dysbacteriosis. Here are the basic requirements for the method of material sampling, and they are the same for all types of research.

1. To collect the material, you can not use any auxiliary means, that is, the chair must be spontaneous.
2. Use a sterile stool container with a tight-fitting lid. As a rule, special containers are purchased in laboratories where they are tested for dysbacteriosis.
3. It is very important that urine does not get into the test feces. Therefore, before collecting the material, it is necessary to empty the bladder, thoroughly wash and wipe the genitals and perineum (especially for women), only after that they begin to defecate.

   Attention! You need to use not a toilet bowl, but a clean vessel or pot, washed with boiling water and wiped dry.

4. The material is taken as soon as possible from different zones of the excreted feces with a special spoon. The result should be a minimum of 2 g of sample, which corresponds to about 6-8 spoons.

   Important: if there is mucus or traces of blood in the feces, then they must be placed in a container for research.

5. The collected material must be delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours after collection.

For several days before taking the test for dysbacteriosis, you should not use:

• laxatives;
• antibiotics;
• antidiarrheal drugs;
• anthelmintic agents;
• probiotics;
• any rectal suppositories;
• preparations of barium and bismuth;
• NSAIDs;
• Castor oil;
• enema;
• Vaseline oil.

Attention! You need to stop taking any antibacterial agents at least 12 days before the test.

In the child's body, a tendency is immediately revealed confirming the immaturity of the organs of the digestive system. At the same time, with the help of this type of analysis, the existing imbalance in the intestinal microflora is confirmed. Most often, with dysbacteriosis in infants or a newborn, there is a risk of having any diseases, as a result of which a failure occurred in the body. In most cases, dysbacteriosis does not have pronounced signs and is usually similar to any other disease of the digestive tract. In this regard, it becomes quite difficult to determine and identify dysbacteriosis in the child's body. Therefore, the delivery of feces for analysis is one of the reliable and accurate laboratory methods that can confirm this diagnosis.

When should I be tested for dysbacteriosis?

Sometimes the results of an analysis for the presence of dysbacteriosis in a child may contain a lot of information that is unclear to ordinary parents. In order to shed light on the contents of such analyzes, we will try in this article to study the entire range of information provided during the delivery of analyzes, as well as decipher its contents. It is necessary for children to take this type of analysis if the child has:

• Diseases of the digestive organs;
• Increased flatulence;
• Intolerance to certain types of food;
• Pain in the abdomen;
• Antibiotic therapy.

All of the above pathologies are a prerequisite for testing for dysbacteriosis in the child's body. In addition, this type of analysis must be done to a newborn, if he is listed in the category of children with the development of various intestinal pathologies. For children susceptible to lesions of various diseases, testing for dysbacteriosis is also important.

What is the purpose of testing for dysbacteriosis?

An analysis of feces for the presence of dysbacteriosis in a child's body is performed in order to refute or confirm the corresponding diagnosis. At the same time, with the help of this analysis, it is possible to identify the causes of discomfort in the baby's body. Based on the data of this analysis, the attending physician makes a definite diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment. As a result, the baby feels much better, and parents rejoice at his recovery. Using the analysis of a child's feces to confirm or refute a dysbacteriosis developing in the body, doctors accurately and practically without errors study the composition of its microflora and determine the concentrations of the following groups of microorganisms:

1. which include microorganisms that improve the processes of digestion and assimilation of the nutrients of the baby;
2. Conditionally pathogenic microorganisms contained in the intestines of an infant and capable of worsening the health of the baby. Usually, this group of microorganisms can be harmful to a child if the number of such bacteria prevails over the number of beneficial ones;
3. Pathogenic bacteria that should not be contained in the microflora of a healthy baby at all.

The composition of the intestinal microflora of the child

When examining feces for dysbacteriosis, specialists from medical institutions study in detail the composition of the obtained biomaterial. The essence of this analysis is to identify the ratio of the number of beneficial bacterial microorganisms to the number of opportunistic pathogens, also present in the child's body. The category of beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the intestines of a child includes: E. coli, lactobacilli, as well as. All these varieties of microorganisms have a positive effect on the health and condition of the child's body.

The group of opportunistic microorganisms scientists include: fungi, clostridia, Klebsiella, enterobacteria. Their activity can cause some discomfort to the growing child's body and cause the child to cry. In the child's body, each of the groups of bacterial microorganisms represented performs its role. So, some of the bacteria described above provide the baby with harmonious digestion, while others, on the contrary, cause the development of various pathologies in the child.

The presence of pathogenic enterobacteria in the feces of a child indicates the presence of some kind of disease, since normally this category of microorganisms should not be present in the feces of healthy children. In addition, microorganisms of the genus or shigella found in the feces of a child indicate the development of a rather complex intestinal disease in the child's body, so their presence is highly undesirable in the child's body.

The intestinal microflora may also contain microorganisms of the genus Salmonella and Shigella, as well as harmful fungal bodies belonging to the genus Candida. Fungal organisms belonging to the genus Candida can cause some discomfort to the baby. With an increased content of these fungi in the intestine, a superficial lesion of the skin in the anus can begin. And if these fungi actively begin to multiply and at the same time the number of beneficial microorganisms decreases significantly, the child may develop thrush or candidiasis.

Staphylococcus aureus should also not be found in the feces of a child, especially those in infancy. The presence of staphylococcus aureus in the feces, even in small quantities, can cause various clinical manifestations in a child. These include: pustules on the skin, and intestinal disorders. Staphylococcus aureus can easily enter the child's body through mother's milk. Children with weak immunity are most susceptible to infection. In addition to staphylococcus, hemolyzing Escherichia coli can also harm the child's body. It, like staphylococcus, is not favorable for the development of beneficial microflora in the child's body. Pathogenic microorganisms belonging to the genus Clostridium are the cause of diarrhea in the children's body.

The conditionally pathogenic part of microorganisms causes discomfort to the baby only when his immune system is weakened. If this category of microorganisms actively multiplies and begins to prevail over beneficial bacteria, the baby may begin dysbacteriosis.

Bifidobacteria are beneficial bacteria in the baby's intestines. Thanks to their presence in the child's body, many of the most important processes for his body are carried out. These include:

1. Stimulation of intestinal motility;
2. Involved in the breakdown of food;
3. Normalize the process of emptying the intestines;
4. Promote the absorption of vitamins;
5. Provides food digestion;
6. Help in ensuring the process of absorption of food;
7. Promote the absorption of essential trace elements;
8. Able to neutralize many toxic substances.

This is not a complete list of the benefits and virtues of bifidobacteria, which are necessary for the growth and development of the child's body. If there are very few bifidobacteria in the intestine, this serves as a signal for the development of dysbacteriosis in the child. They play an important role in the intestinal microflora. They help to maintain the body's defense systems against the penetration of various kinds of allergens into it. Thanks to lactobacilli in the body, lactase and lactic acid are synthesized, which are simply indispensable for ensuring the normal functioning of the intestines. If these lactobacilli die, the child may develop allergies, constipation and lactase deficiency. This is especially undesirable for children who have not reached the age of the first year of life.

For the microflora of the child's body, it is important to have the activity of which is necessary for the healthy growth and development of the body. Thanks to the microorganisms of this group, children do not have a wide spread of pathogenic bacteria throughout the body, and oxygen that is dangerous for the life of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is also excreted. With a decrease in the amount of E. coli in the composition of the intestinal microflora in the child's body, helminthic invasion may occur.

Dysbacteriosis in a child's body is accompanied by regurgitation, diarrhea or constipation, various skin reactions, pain in the abdominal cavity, and bloating of the stomach. If your baby suffers from pain in the abdomen or colic, then you should consult a doctor. The reason for visiting the doctor is the disorder of the children's stool, accompanied by the anxiety of the baby. The cause of all these troubles for the child's body may be. It can be detected only by passing the child's feces for analysis. With the help of this analysis, the doctor will be able not only to find the cause of dysbacteriosis, but also to provide the baby with the necessary assistance.

Deciphering the analysis

This analysis is carried out within seven days. It is during this period of time that all data on the composition of the microflora of the baby's feces become ready. After receiving the biomaterial, laboratory specialists place it in a special container with a nutrient medium, in which all microorganisms in the feces germinate. After some time, laboratory staff count germinated bacterial spores per gram of feces and study them in detail using a microscope. Then all data on the number of germinated microorganisms are entered into a special form. The number of germinated bacteria is documented using colony-forming units, based on one gram of the studied biomaterial (COH/g).

For the analysis of feces, a biochemical method is used, since it is more accurate and requires much less time to complete. The gastroenterologist is engaged in deciphering the results of the analysis. In his work, he is guided by the norms of age indicators for the child's body.
The delivery of biomaterial for analysis in order to identify in a child a necessary condition for preventing the spread of various pathologies throughout the child's body. Usually, on the form with the result of the analysis of the child's stool, there are up to eleven items of indicators that indicate the presence of certain microorganisms in the intestinal microflora of the child and their number. The results of the analysis carried out contain the following indicators:

The reasons leading to a decrease in the number of E. coli are:

• Improper diet and diet, oversaturated with protein, fatty or carbohydrate foods, as well as artificial feeding;
• The development of various intestinal infections in the body.

The number of pathogenic enterobacteria that cause the development of various diseases in a child should be minimal or practically absent. The presence of a large number of them in the feces of a child indicates the development of intestinal infections in his body.

Based on these indicators, you can compare the data of your analyzes and independently judge the degree of development of dysbacteriosis in the child's body.

How to prepare a child for analysis?

To get the most accurate data on the state of the microflora of the child's body, you should prepare a little before taking the tests. A few days before the test, you should not give the child new foods that he has never eaten before. At the same time, it is worth interrupting the baby's prescribed medications, including medicines against colic in newborns. Before submitting the biomaterial for analysis, the child should not be placed and used as a treatment. It should also be abandoned for a while.

Before collecting the baby's feces for analysis, it is necessary to wash it well so that the analysis does not show the presence of foreign compounds. The biomaterial should be collected after the baby has urinated, otherwise the remains of urine may fall on the feces and the result of the analysis will be somewhat distorted.

Feces should be collected in a clean container, which is preferably pre-sterilized. Usually, about ten milliliters of the baby's morning feces are taken for analysis.

After collecting the biomaterial for a period of time not more than two hours, it must be delivered to the laboratory for analysis. If it is not possible to transfer the collected feces within a given period of time, it can be stored in a refrigerator for up to six hours. Parents today have a huge choice of clinics and laboratories that are ready to provide services for the study of the child's biomaterial. Parents themselves choose a medical institution and deliver the biomaterial there.

Pathogenic enterobacteria Usually this indicator comes first in the list. These microorganisms include bacteria that cause acute intestinal infections (dysentery, typhoid fever). The detection of such microorganisms is an indicator of a serious infectious disease.

bifidobacteria These are the main representatives of the normal intestinal microflora. They perform an important job of breaking down, digesting and absorbing various food components, synthesize vitamins, and also contribute to their absorption. With the participation of bifidobacteria, iron, calcium and other important trace elements are absorbed in the intestine; bifidobacteria stimulate the motility of the intestinal wall and promote normal stools, and they also neutralize toxic substances. The analysis form indicates the titer of bifidobacteria. It must be at least 107-109. A significant decrease in the number of bifidobacteria is a sign of severe dysbacteriosis.

lactobacilli provide anti-allergic protection, promote normal bowel movements, produce an enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactose). In the analysis, their number should not be less than 106-107. Deficiency of lactobacilli can lead to the development of allergic diseases, constipation, lactase deficiency.

coli With normal enzymatic activity (escherichia).
The third representative of the normal microflora. Its role is very important: this microbe prevents colonization of the intestinal wall by alien "pests". It should be noted that up to 6-8 months of a baby's life, the role of Escherichia coli is small, and its amount can range from 100 million / g to 2-3 billion / g. Closer to a year (and at an older age), the total amount of E. coli should be at least 300–400 million/g (107–108). A decrease may be a sign of the presence of a variety of worms in the intestines.

coli co reduced enzymatic activity. This is an inferior E. coli, it does not pose any harm, but at the same time it does not perform its useful functions. The presence of this indicator in the analysis is a sign of incipient dysbacteriosis.

All other indicators of microflora are conditionally pathogenic flora. The very term “opportunistic pathogenic” denotes the essence of these organisms. They become pathogenic(impairing normal bowel function) under certain conditions: an increase in their number, with the ineffectiveness of protective mechanisms or a decrease in immunity. Opportunistic flora, competing with beneficial bacteria, colonizes the intestines and causes disruption of the entire gastrointestinal tract.

coccal forms in the total number of microbes. The most harmless representatives of conditionally pathogenic flora are enterococci. Their number up to 25% does not pose a threat to the health of a small child. In rare cases, an increase in the number of enterococci is the main cause of dysfunction associated with dysbacteriosis.

Epidermal staphylococcus aureus(S. eridermidis, S. saprophyticus). These types of staphylococci can cause problems, but up to 25% is acceptable.

Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus). One of the most unpleasant representatives of the opportunistic flora.

Even small amounts of it cause pronounced clinical manifestations, especially in infants. Therefore, usually in the norms given in the form, it is indicated that it should not be (in fact, an indicator not exceeding 103 is acceptable). Problems from Staphylococcus aureus directly depend on the state of the normal flora: the more bifidobacteria; lactobacilli and normal E. coli, the less harm from staphylococcus aureus. Its presence in the intestines can lead to allergic reactions, pustular skin rashes, and intestinal dysfunction.
Staphylococci are common environmental microbes, in particular, they live in large numbers on the skin and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. They can pass to the baby through breast milk. The most susceptible to infection with staphylococci are weakened children (premature, cesareans, artificial babies). Staphylococci manifest themselves when the immune system is weakened.

Hemolysing Escherichia coli Normally absent. May cause allergic and intestinal problems in debilitated children.

Klebsiella, protea Their number should not exceed 103-105. If the indicator is greater than 106, then there are problems similar to those from Staphylococcus aureus. Constipation is most often associated with the presence of Proteus, and the presence of Klebsiella leads to the development of allergies, lactase deficiency.

Hafnia, serrations, enterobacter, citrobacter Usually in the amount of 103-106 do not cause problems.

Mushrooms of the genus Candida Presence up to 104 is acceptable. An increase may be after the use of antibiotics.

Clostridia The allowable amount is up to 107. Rarely cause problems with stool thinning, diarrhea. Their number depends on the function of local intestinal immunity.

26.02.2018

This is such a pathology that everyone has experienced, at least once, from infants to adults. To identify intestinal pathology, doctors advise taking a stool test for dysbacteriosis, they will tell you how to do it right and which tests to take.

Dysbacteriosis (bacteriosis) is an imbalance of microorganisms in the intestine. With age, the composition of food and intestinal microflora changes, so the norms for the content of bacteria in it, in children and adults, are different. And this is not a disease, but the result of another disease.

There are two types of dysbiosis:

1. Bacterial- through pathogenic bacteria;
2. Infectious- with the penetration of infection from the outside.

Bacterial:

• Chronic disease of the digestive system;
• Inflammation of the small and large intestine at the same time;
• Antibiotics have been taken for a long time.

Infectious - intestinal infections occur mainly when:

• Violation of sanitary and hygienic standards;
• Improper food preparation.

What is dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis is a violation of the balance of all existing types of microflora of the human body, and dysbacteriosis is a violation of the balance of only the bacterial composition of the microflora. The causes of dysbiosis are constant stress, irregular nutrition, uncontrolled use of antimicrobials in the treatment of all kinds of infections. Signs of dysbiosis are found in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, vagina, and oral mucosa. They are combined with itching, diarrhea, constipation, boils, purulent infections appear.

Signs of dysbacteriosis

A fecal analysis for dysbacteriosis is given if the following symptoms are present:

• Allergy on the skin;
• Bloating and pain all over the abdomen;
• Long absence of stool or vice versa diarrhea;
• Rejection of certain foods;
• peeling of the skin;
• Brittle nails and brittle hair;
• poor appetite;
• Bad breath.

Rules for passing the analysis

Before you pass, you need to prepare for the analysis:

Sample storage requirements

1 hour after the analysis is taken, the death of microorganisms begins, so the sample should be delivered to the laboratory in half an hour, the deadline is 2 hours. If the time does not fit, you can store in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Sample collection must not be frozen.

What should be the diet before testing?

Three days before the test, you should not use:

• Alcohol;
• Meat and fish products;
• Spicy and fried foods;
• Beets and cabbage;
• Dairy products.

Ways

There are three ways to analyze for dysbacteriosis:

1. Coprogram;
2. Bacteriological;
3. Biochemical.

Will the coprogram show dysbacteriosis

A coprogram is a microbiological analysis of the intestinal microflora, used after prolonged use of antibiotics that are not associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. And it reveals pathology by the appearance of feces and determines the presence of:

• Fragments of undigested food;
• starch;
• Helminths and their eggs;
• Fat;
• Blood and mucus.

Bacterioscopic examination is the first stage of microbiological analysis. The thick part of the feces is 30% composed of microorganisms. At the same time, the intestinal flora is not microscopically isolated using stained preparations. It is bacterioscopically possible to isolate iodophilic flora and tubercle bacillus.

Bacteriological examination - how much and how is done

If the coprogram shows an imbalance, then the doctor prescribes a more accurate study. Bacteriological seeding of feces in a nutrient medium is performed. In some cases, an analysis is made for bacteriosis of the oral cavity. A scraping is taken from the mucous membrane of the mouth, then a tank is carried out. sowing. After 5-7 days, when the bacteria multiply, they are recalculated. According to the results of bacteriological examination of feces, the specialist gives a conclusion. When other organs are involved in the pathological process, in addition to the intestine, a detailed analysis of blood and urine is performed.

Biochemical way

Fecal biochemistry - this type of analysis gives a result after 1 hour. The advantage of this method:

1. Relative speed;
2. Increasing the time of delivery of samples to the laboratory up to a day;
3. You can freeze the sample in the refrigerator;
4. Accuracy of received data.

To obtain the correct result in a biochemical analysis, it is necessary:

• 2 weeks before collection, stop taking antibiotics;
• Women - until the end of menstruation, do not take tests;
• Samples are taken from different parts of the stool.

Biochemical research can be carried out in parallel with the coprogram

If these methods cannot confirm the final diagnosis, then a thorough examination is performed, where the true cause of the pathology will be clarified.

Deciphering the analysis of feces

The intestines contain a large number of bacteria and microorganisms. It is necessary to decipher the analyzes to determine the quantitative and qualitative composition of the intestinal microflora. Among them are:

• Conditionally pathogenic (OPB)- enterococci, staphylococci, clostridia, candida;
• Pathogenic- salmonella, shingella.

The normal microbial landscape, which determines the optimal proportions, is as follows:

• Bifidobacteria - 10 to 8 - 10 to 10 degrees;
• Lactobacilli and Escherichia - 10 in 6 - 10 in 9;
• Streptococci - 10 in 5 - 10 in 7;
• Non-homolytic staphylococci - 10 in 4 - 10 in 5;
• - 10 in 3 - 10 in 5;
• Conditionally pathogenic enterobacteria - 10 in 3 - 10 in 4;
• Hemolytic staphylococci - 10 in 3.

In children under one year of age while breastfeeding:

• Bifidobacteria - 10 to 10 - 10 to 11 degrees;
• Lactobacilli norm - 10 to 6 - 10 to 7 degrees;
• Clostridia - 10 to 2 - 10 to 3 degrees.

All these indicators are indicated in CFU / g - colony forming units in 1 gram of the sample.

At birth, the child does not have any microorganisms, and only at the age of two is the content of the intestinal microflora considered formed. He gradually receives all microorganisms along with mother's milk. If antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus are not found in a woman in labor, then in the maternity hospital the child can get dysbacteriosis.

If the results of the analyzes do not correspond to the above parameters, i.e. lowered, we can assume the occurrence of dysbacteriosis.

Intestinal microflora

Clostridia in analysis

The intestinal microflora consists of many types of microorganisms, one of them is. They are dispersed in the large intestine. They are classified as conditionally pathogenic. Under normal conditions, they do not harm the body. If the number of clostridia is increased, they will cause damage to the body, poisoning it. The reason for the increase may be the consumption of a large amount of protein foods (meat, fish, legumes, nuts, etc.). Clostridia also live and multiply in the soil, so you must keep your hands and products clean.

Pathology can lead to botulism, tetanus, which can be fatal.

What is Enterococcus?

This type of bacteria contributes to:

• Digestion of carbohydrates;
• Compound of vitamins;
• Build immunity in the gut.

If the number of enterococci in the feces is greater than the number of Escherichia coli, then this can lead to pathologies.

Why is the number of enterococci increasing:

• Due to helminths;
• No immunity:
• Allergy to any food product;
• Poor quality food;
• Reducing the number of E. coli.

Bacteroids are reduced - what does it mean?

Bacteroids are actively involved in the digestion of fats. They are born in the intestines of the baby from the eighth month. The number of bacteroids is below normal due to:

• antibiotic treatment;
• Intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonella, viral infections).

Enterobacteria

They live mainly on the mucous membrane of the small and large intestines, are called anaerobic, that is, they do without oxygen. The pathogenic component is acquired by infection from a person or animal, the use of low-quality eggs, milk and meat.

The number of these bacteria is about 4% of all intestinal bacteria, they are few, but they take part:

If the number of lactobacilli is reduced, then:

1. Antibiotics, laxatives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used;
2. Nutrition was wrong, fasting or artificial feeding (for babies) was used;
3. There were intestinal infections;
4. There were chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
5. There was a stressful situation.

Bifidobacteria for the intestines

Bifidobacteria live mainly in the large intestine. There are 24 strains of these bacteria, that is, pure, homogeneous offspring. Bifidobacteria:

• They produce organic acids (lactic, acetic, etc.);
• Maintain normal pH;
• Protect against pathogenic flora;
• Accelerate protein hydrolysis, dissolution of fiber;
• Strengthen intestinal peristalsis;
• Helps the absorption of B vitamins, vitamin K and D;
• Accelerate the work of the lymphatic system and the production of immunoglobulins, as a result, strengthen the immune system.

With a decrease in the number of bifidobacteria, diarrhea, constipation, allergic reactions, and impaired immunity occur.

Escherichia coli

The bacterium of the species E coli (E. Coli) is found in the intestines of humans and animals. They are not pathogenic and help the process of digestion, the production of vitamins. Their main role is to block the passage of pathogenic bacteria. If there is no pathology, then the normal amount of this E. coli is - 10 6 degrees CFU / g.

lactic acid bacteria

The backbone of normal intestinal microflora includes lactic acid bacteria. They are considered anaerobic, that is, oxygen is contraindicated for them. All lactic acid bacteria process carbohydrates into lactic, acetic acids, protect the liver from toxic substances. They also improve intestinal motility, produce vitamins and trace elements.

Video: Examination of feces for dysbacteriosis

What to do if symptoms of dysbacteriosis appear?

To save time, there is a service on the Internet - a question to the doctor online, you can even sign up for a consultation with a specialist. The doctor may recommend various medications and herbal preparations.

Herbal collection for dysbacteriosis

The therapeutic effect of herbs is due to the fact that they contain the necessary nutritional enzymes for the intestinal microflora. The collection is prepared from:

• Mint leaves - 1 part;
• Valerian root - 2 parts;
• Chamomile flowers - 2 parts;
• Raspberries - 2 parts.

Add a tablespoon of the collection to a glass of boiling water, leave for 10 hours and consume. This amount is enough for up to 3 times. Children take one teaspoon at a time. Course 1 month.

Diseases associated with a violation of the bacterial flora (dysbacteriosis) of the human body are not considered the most dangerous, if, for example, compared with cardiovascular or oncological diseases. In most cases, they do not lead to the sudden death of the patient, but the symptoms present can significantly complicate life.

Often, these changes in the microflora can occur for a long time without pronounced signs, and only minor manifestations will sometimes disturb the patient. The only way to detect these abnormalities is to undergo a laboratory diagnosis of feces for dysbacteriosis.

As a result of an inexpensive and fairly quick study, it will be possible to find out if there is a pathological shift in the quantitative and species composition of the intestinal microflora. A detailed transcript of the analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis will make it possible to determine the presence of a specific disease, which will allow the doctor to prescribe the most effective therapy.

Main characteristics of diagnostics

Analysis of a stool sample for dysbacteriosis is a laboratory test that determines the content of bacteria and other microorganisms in the intestines. The value of beneficial microflora for human health is known even to those people who are not associated with medicine. In the human body, and especially in the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract), there are more than 1,000 bacteria represented by a wide variety of species characteristics.

These microorganisms take an active part in the digestive processes and the assimilation of nutrients necessary for adequate human life. Therefore, a change in their quantitative or qualitative composition immediately affects the dysfunction of one or another digestive organ, which occurs in an acute or chronic form. In some cases, dysbacteriosis can develop latently (latently) and manifest itself at the slightest adverse factor (for example, stress).

Most often, this examination is prescribed for children, since they are most susceptible to dysbacteriosis. It can develop when infected during breastfeeding, through dirty hands, or due to the fact that for some reason the correct microflora in the intestines of the child did not have time to form. In addition, the disease is often noted after prolonged antibiotic therapy, since not only pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed, but also beneficial ones.

Pathology is most often manifested by a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract - diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and abdominal pain. Then the extended symptoms of intoxication of the body join - dehydration, tachycardia, etc. All bacteria living in the intestines are divided into three groups:

• normal or beneficial microorganisms (lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and escherichia) - they provide adequate activity of the digestive system, as well as a kind of protection against harmful microbes;
• conditionally pathogenic (candida, clostridia, enterococci, staphylococci), which, under the influence of certain factors, can become pathogenic and lead to various diseases;
• pathogenic microorganisms (salmonella, shigella and others), which, when they enter the human body, and specifically in the intestines, cause the development of serious infectious diseases.

Reference! For the convenience of assessing the norm and establishing deviations, the composition of the intestinal microflora is systematized in tables. The quantitative content of bacteria is indicated in colony-forming units (CFU) in 1 gram of stool.

Normal indicators of intestinal microflora

As mentioned above, about 1 thousand different types of microorganisms live in the intestines of a healthy person, but it makes no sense to determine all of them in the analysis. In addition, it will be too long and laborious process. To assess the state of microflora, only individual species are studied, the number of which directly affects the normal functioning of the organism.

Indicators of the components of the intestinal microflora, taken as the norm

bifidobacteria

This species makes up almost 95% of the entire intestinal microflora. Bifidobacteria are involved in the synthesis of B vitamins (B 1, B 2, B 3, B 5, B 6, B 12), as well as vitamin K. In addition, they contribute to the absorption of vitamin D. Due to the production of special substances necessary for life , protect the human body from "harmful" bacteria, thus participating in the maintenance of immunity. The indicators taken as the norm for infants (up to 1 year old) look like 10 10 -10 11 CFU / g, for older children - 10 9 -10 10 CFU / g, and for adults - 10 8 -10 10 CFU / g.

A change, that is, a decrease in the content of bifidobacteria, can occur due to:

• taking antibiotics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, analgin, and laxatives;
• unbalanced nutrition (excess or lack of fats, proteins or carbohydrates, improper diet, artificial feeding);
• chronic diseases of the digestive tract (gastritis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers);
• violations of the production of enzymes (celiac disease, lactase deficiency);
• intestinal (salmonellosis, dysentery) and viral infections;
• pathologies of the immune system (immunodeficiencies, allergies);
• changes in climatic zones, stress conditions.

lactobacilli

These microorganisms, despite their relatively lower content (approximately 4-6% of the entire intestinal flora), are as important as bifidobacteria. They ensure the maintenance of the required pH level and the production of most substances: hydrogen peroxide, lactic and acetic acids, lactocin and acidophilus.

Products obtained as a result of the vital activity of lactobacilli are used by the human body to neutralize and destroy harmful microbes, and are also used to produce lactose. The norm for the content of lactobacilli in babies under 1 year old is 10 6 -10 7 CFU / g, in older children - 10 7 -10 8, and in adults - 10 6 -10 8 CFU / g.

Reference! The reasons for the decrease in the number of lactobacilli are completely identical to the factors for the decrease in bifidobacteria. That is, under the same conditions in the intestine, there is a change in the content of both of the above species.

Escherichia (E. coli)

This type of bacteria appears in the human body from birth, and is there throughout life. Their role is in the synthesis of vitamin K and group B, the processing of glucose and the production of colicins (antibiotic-like substances), which improve the quality of the immune system. The rate of Escherichia for all ages is the same, and is in the range of 10 7 -10 8 CFU / g.

The main reasons leading to a decrease in the number of these microorganisms are as follows:

• antibacterial therapy;
• helminth infection;
• unbalanced diet;
• intestinal and viral infections;
• irregular eating, fasting;
• artificial feeding (in infants).

E. coli is one of the types of microorganisms beneficial to the human body.

Bacteroids

This type of microorganisms has one main function - participation in the digestive process, and more specifically, the implementation of the processing of fats. As a rule, bacteroids are not present in the body of newborns, but appear from about the age of 8-9 months. The norm indicators for all patients, regardless of how old they are, are characterized by marks of 10 7 -10 8 CFU / g.

Pathological changes in values ​​up or down can be observed when taking antibiotics or infection with intestinal and viral infectious diseases. Also, an increase in the number of bacteroids is often observed due to a lipid diet, which implies the consumption of excessive amounts of fatty foods.

Peptostreptococci

In a healthy person, these bacteria live only in the large intestine, and when they enter other organs or increase in numbers, they lead to inflammatory diseases. Their main function is to participate in the breakdown of lactic acid proteins and carbohydrates. Also, as a result of their vital activity, they produce hydrogen, which is transformed into hydrogen peroxide in the intestines, which allows maintaining the required pH level.

Normally, in children under 1 year of age, peptostreptococci contain 10 3 -10 5 CFU / g, while in older and adult people their indicators should not leave the marks of 10 5 -10 6 . The number of this species can increase when eating too many carbohydrates, chronic diseases of the digestive tract, or due to infection with intestinal infections.

Enterococci

This type of bacteria plays an important role in the breakdown of carbohydrates and vitamins, as well as in maintaining immunity directly in the intestines. The number of enterococci should not prevail over the number of Escherichia coli, otherwise a certain number of pathologies may develop.

Normally, these microorganisms are found in babies up to a year in the range of 10 5 -10 7 CFU / g, while in older children and adults, the figures should be from 10 5 to 10 8 CFU / g. The number of the species may increase due to malnutrition, reduced immunity, food allergies, immune diseases, infection with helminths, antibiotic therapy (with drug resistance) or a decrease in the number of Escherichia.

Staphylococci

There are two varieties of these microorganisms - pathogenic staphylococci and saprophytic, which are conditionally pathogenic. The first are the hemolytic, plasma-coagulating type of microorganism, as well as the most dangerous - Staphylococcus aureus. The second group includes non-hemolytic and epidermal.

Staphylococcus is not an obligatory component of the normal microflora of the large and small intestines - it enters the body from the outside along with food. At the same time, the introduction of Staphylococcus aureus into the digestive tract, as a rule, leads to the occurrence of toxic infections.

The ways of infection with these bacteria are quite diverse, starting with dirty hands, food products, and ending with nosocomial infectious diseases. Normal indicators for saprophytic staphylococci are values ​​≤10 4 CFU / g, while pathogenic extended analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis in a healthy person should not be detected at all.

Varieties of bacteria that make up the human intestinal microflora

Clostridia

These microorganisms are involved in the breakdown of proteins, resulting in the release of toxic substances indole and skatole. In small quantities, these chemicals are stimulants of intestinal peristalsis, which helps to improve its activity associated with the evacuation of feces.

With an increase in the number of clostridia, respectively, much more toxic substances are produced, and this can cause the development of putrefactive dyspepsia. An increase in microorganisms in the stool is observed with excessive consumption of protein foods. Normally, these bacteria should not be more: in children under one year old 10 3 CFU / g, in all other people 10 5 CFU / g.

Candida (yeast-like bacteria)

Exceeding the normal indicators of the Candida genus (babies up to a year - 10 3 CFU / g and other age categories - 10 4 CFU / g) often leads to fermentative dyspepsia. Also, a significant increase in individuals of this species can provoke the occurrence of candidiasis (thrush) of various localization. The main reasons for the growth in the number of Candida are considered to be such as:

• antibacterial therapy that is not combined with taking antifungal drugs;
• taking hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy;
• excess content in the diet of carbohydrate foods;
• diabetes, stress.

Important! It is worth noting that an attentive and careful attitude to the body, proper nutrition and carefully selected treatment options will help keep the opportunistic flora under control, preventing it from multiplying.

Pathogenic microflora

Enterobacteria Salmonella and Shigella are the main causative agents of intestinal infections. Intestinal infections are a set of contagious diseases localized in the digestive organs. Infection occurs as a result of the penetration of a pathogenic microbe through the mouth, most often when drinking water or eating food. There are about 30 such diseases - these are: typhoid fever, cholera, botulism, dysentery, salmonellosis, etc.

The most harmless of them is food poisoning. The causative agents of these pathologies can be both the microorganisms themselves and the toxins they produce (occurs with botulism). Some of the pathogenic microbes can lead to chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and even tumors of the stomach or intestines.

Salmonella

The bacterium causes a disease called salmonellosis. Its main characteristic is a pronounced lesion of the intestines, accompanied by symptoms of intoxication. The main carriers of the microbe are waterfowl. Infection occurs due to consumption of raw or poorly processed raw meat or eggs, contact with vectors or contaminated water, and insufficient hand hygiene.

shigella

The entry of a microorganism into the body leads to a disease called dysentery, which is accompanied by severe toxic damage to the intestines. Raw vegetables, water, dairy products, people with dysentery are considered the most frequently noted sources of infection.

You can also get sick as a result of poor hand hygiene or contact with contaminated surfaces (dishes, toys). A healthy person should not have Salmonella, Shigella and other pathogenic microorganisms in the results of an analysis for dysbacteriosis!