Comparison of the Distal Gut Micro flora of Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Filipino Women Using PCR-DGGE Method

Abstract

The identities and diversity of die microbial communities in the distal gut have already been studied in the past using culture-dependent methods. However due to the limitation imposed by this technique, molecular-based methods are now being utilized to further understand and determine the diversity of the distal gut microflora without favoring cultivable bacterial communities. This study provided baseline data on die microbial diversity profile of Filipino women of the reproductive age using culture-independent and molecular-based methods. This study compared the diversity of die distal gut microflora among and between two groups: pregnant and non-pregnant Filipino women, aged 18-35 years using the 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial DNA from the samples were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and diversity of these bacteria were assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Based on die obtained data, the pregnant group exhibited a more diverse microflora compared with their non-pregnant counterpart. The highly diverse distal gut microflora of pregnant women may be of significance since these come in contact with die fetus during delivery' and colonize die infant’s sterile gut. Results generated from this study may be useful in determining die influence of maternal distal gut microflora in fetal healdi and immune development.