Influence of different dietary regimens upon the composition of the human fecal flora.

The composition of the fecal flora in two groups of children in primary school age with (a) normal, ad libitum diet (school-group, 20 children), and (b) lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (Salem-group, 20 children) was examined. Fecal analysis was concentrated upon the isolation of the main anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. The pattern of S-, M-, and R-forms of Enterobacteriaceae with special regard to E. coli was investigated additionally. In the school-group counts of Clostridium species, R-, and M- forms of E. coli were significantly higher than in the Salem-group. The numbers of Bifidobacterium, Actinomyces, and Enterobacteriaceae species, as well as S-forms of E. coli were significantly increased in the Salem-group, as compared to the school-children. The data reveal a relationship between the occurrence of different anaerobic species and the SMR-pattern of E. coli, with Clostridium species in particular. The SMR-pattern of E. coli may reflect conditions of intestinal metabolism and mucosal immunity. It may serve as a simple parameter in routine examination of fecal specimen.