A comparative study of gut microbiota profiles of children living in Kulon Progo and West Lombok

Abstract

The role of gut microbiota in human health is highly understandable. Recent research highlights the influence of geographical terms in gut microbiota composition. Unfortunately, baseline data of microbiota composition in children are limited. We compared the number of fecal microbiota of children ages 9-12 years, living in Kulon Progo (KP), Yogyakarta, with same age children in West Lombok (WL) and West Nusa Tenggara. The study was an observational study with comparative design. The subjects were elementary school students, 29 subjects in KP and 27 subjects in WL. Fecal microbiota was analyzed by pour plate culture technique on MRS agar for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and TBX agar for E. coli. The difference of total bacteria was tested using independent sample t-test. Mean of total fecal LAB of children in KP was 7.58±0.61 CFU/g, whereas in WL was 7.19±0.83 CFU/g. There was no significant difference between the number of fecal LAB of children in KP and in WL (p = 0.255). Mean of total fecal E. coli of children in KP was 7.06±0.75 CFU/g. whereas in WL was 7.23±1.12 CFU/g. There was no significant difference between the number of fecal E. coli of children in KP and in WL (p = 0.078). Further research is needed to determine the factors that can affect the composition of the gut microbiota.