Changes in Gut Microbiota in Children with Atopic Dermatitis Administered the Bacteria Lactobacillus casei

Gut microbiota was analyzed in children, aged 6–18 months and su$ering from atopic dermatitis before and a"er 3 month supplementation of their diet with Lactobacillus casei DN – 114001 in a dose of 10 cells daily. On completion of this period the total number of fecal Lactobacillus sp. cells decreased from 7.86 Log 10 CFU/g to 6.40 Log 10 CFU/g. A"er the next 5 months (without dietary supplementation with the probiotic bacteria) the level of Lactobacillus sp. cells was maintained at the latter value. During the dietary supplementation with the probiotic strain, the level of Bifidobacterium cells was maintained at 6.15–6.89 Log 10 CFU/g while a"er 5 months it decreased to 5.57 Log 10 CFU/g. !e population of Clostridium sp. was reduced a"er 3 months of dietary supplementation from 6.49 to 5.83 Log 10 CFU/g and was maintained at the latter level during the next 5 months. !e dietary supplementation had no e$ect on populations of Bacteroides sp., Enterococcus sp. and Enterobacteriaceae. Supplementation of children who developed atopic dermatitis with the preparation of Lactobacillus casei DN – 114001 positively a$ected their gut microbiota in terms of bifidobacteria and clostridia populations. K e y w o r d s: Lactobacillus casei DN – 114001, atopic dermatitis, gut microbiota Klewicka E. et al. 4 330 gastrointestinal tract (intestinal microbiota). Delayed and/or altered gastrointestinal colonization during the formation of the intestinal ecosystem can activate the immune system towards promoting allergy. Microbiota theory assumes that the physiological colonization that occurs in healthy infants and activates !1 lymphocytes regulate the immune response, which are responsible for maintaining the !1/!2 cytokine balance and the development of tolerance to external antigens. Neonatal gastrointestinal tract, which in fetal life remains sterile is settled bacteria from the mother (from faeces, vaginal and skin) or from the external environment (hospital, home, siblings, medical sta$) (Cukrowska, 2008). !is study aimed at characterization of changes in intestinal microbiota in infants with AD caused by dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus casei DN – 114001. Fecal microbiota was analyzed before, just a"er finishing bacteria intake, and then a"er 5 months from its completion.