Azoreductase and nitroreductase activity of bacteria in feces from patients with an ileal reservoir.

Azoreductase and nitroreductase activities of bacteria in feces of five patients with ileal reservoirs were evaluated, both at the onset of symptoms of pouchitis and following recovery after treatment with drugs. All stool samples tested had bacteria with azoreductase and nitroreductase activities. Azoreductase and nitroreductase activities were higher after recovery than during attacks of pouchitis. During reestablishment of the normal microflora in the ileal reservoirs after pouchitis, the anaerobic bacteria increased and the aerobic bacteria decreased.