Microbial diveristy in gastrointestinal tract of pre-and post- Operative gastric and oesophageal cancer patients

Gastric and oesophageal cancer surgery is performed to remove cancerous tissue or to by pass part of the tumour tissue to prevent blockage of the stomach or oesophagus. However, surgical operations of the gastrointestinal tract may lead to alterations in the gut microbial community. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine changes in microbial community profile in the gastrointestinal tract of pre- and postoperative gastric and oesophageal cancer patients using polymerase chain reaction - denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Our results showed that changes occur in the intestinal tract after gastric and oesophageal cancer surgery but not immediately after operation.OIn oesophageal cancer patients, Collinsella sp. was detected in both pre- and post- operative subjects. Serratia marcesens, a prominent opportunistic pathogen was detected after oesophageal cancer surgery in one subject. Acholeplasma parvum which is known to survive in host environments was detected in one gastric cancer patient after six months of operation. In both gastric and oesophageal cancer patients most of the bacterial species detected belonged to Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. The data obtained in this study could provide a basis for modulation of gut microbial balance after surgery which could lead to faster recovery, and prevention of post operative bacterial infections.