ASSESSMENT OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN PATIENTS WITH IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

This article presents a comprehensive assessment of gut microbiota composition and diversity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 10-15% of the global population, with emerging evidence implicating gut microbiota dysbiosis in its pathophysiology. A case-control study of 120 IBS patients (40 IBS-D, 40 IBS-C, 40 IBS-M) and 40 healthy controls was conducted, employing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomic analysis, and metabolomic profiling. Comprehensive clinical assessment included Rome IV diagnostic criteria, symptom severity scoring, and quality of life evaluation. Results revealed significant microbiota alterations in IBS patients, including reduced alpha diversity (Shannon index 3.2±0.6 vs 4.1±0.5 in controls, p<0.001), decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (1.8±0.4 vs 2.6±0.5, p<0.001), and reduced abundance of beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bifidobacterium spp). IBS-D showed increased Enterobacteriaceae (12.4±3.2% vs 3.8±1.2%, p<0.001), while IBS-C demonstrated reduced Prevotella abundance. Metabolomic analysis identified altered short-chain fatty acid profiles and increased fecal calprotectin levels. The discussion emphasizes the gut-brain axis, immune modulation, and therapeutic implications including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary interventions.