What the study found
Children with Hirschsprung disease had gut microbiota differences compared with healthy children, including reduced diversity and altered bacterial composition. The study also found bacterial taxa that may be associated with postoperative Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis, a bowel inflammation complication after surgery.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings suggest possible markers for treatment response and for identifying children at risk of postoperative Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis. They also state that microbiome-targeted interventions to prevent this complication need to be explored.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a case-control study of 20 children with Hirschsprung disease and 20 age-matched controls at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. They collected stool samples at diagnosis, during surgery, and at 1 and 6 months after surgery, then analyzed the bacteria using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which identifies microbial communities by reading a bacterial gene commonly used for classification.
What worked and what didn't
Compared with controls, children with Hirschsprung disease showed reduced microbial diversity and different community composition. Several taxa were increased in Hirschsprung disease, including Robinsoniella, Fusobacterium, Cutibacterium, Citrobacter, and Eubacterium fissicatena, while others were decreased, including NK4A214, Lachnospiraceae XPB1014 groups, Acinetobacter, and Acetitomaculum.
What to keep in mind
The study was small and included 20 patients with Hirschsprung disease and 20 controls. The abstract does not describe additional limitations beyond the observed scope of the sample and follow-up period.
Key points
- Children with Hirschsprung disease had gut dysbiosis compared with healthy controls.
- Microbial diversity was higher at 6 months after surgery than at initial diagnosis.
- Eubacterium and Eubacteriales changed over time and were suggested as possible markers of treatment efficacy.
- Olsenella was enriched in the proximal intestine of patients who developed postoperative Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis.
- Holdemanella, Corynebacterium, Collinsella, and CAG-352 were elevated in the distal intestine of patients who developed postoperative Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Hirschsprung disease shows distinct gut microbiota shifts after surgery
- Authors:
- Sireekarn Chantakhow, Chanon Kunasol, Jiraporn Khorana, Kanokkan Tepmalai, Nipon Chattipakorn, Siriporn C. Chattipakorn
- Institutions:
- Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai University, Office of the Royal Society, The Royal College Of Anesthesiologists Of Thailand
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-25
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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