Enterococcus spp. in gut microbiota of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Aim. To defne the role of Enterococcus spp. in the gut microbiota ensemble in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Materials and

Methods. Inoculation of intestinal cultures was performed in 64 patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis before the specific therapy (30 patients and 55 strains) and after 1 month of the treatment (34 patients and 63 strains). We then assessed the production of haemolysins, gelatinase, phospholipase, adhesion factors, and organic acids.

Results. A high prevalence of intestinal dysbiosis (66.7%) were detected in patients before the start of anti-tuberculosis therapy. Specifc treatment was associated with a decrease in Lactobacillus spp. along with an increase in C. perfringens and Candida spp. titers as well as with higher prevalence of E. coli lac. Before the treatment, Enterococcus spp. showed pronounced adhesion properties, providing colonization of the intestinal mucosa in titers of 6 (4; 7) lg CFU/g, although not producing invasion enzymes. Upon the 1 month of anti-tuberculosis treatment, adhesion capability reduced and 36% of the strains were low-adhesive. An increase of lipase-producing strains to 18% suggested the adaptation of Enterococcus spp. to a high content of lipids and fatty acids in the intestine.

Conclusion. In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis having high prevalence of intestinal dysbiosis, Enterococcus spp. are frequent symbionts well integrated into the gut microbiota.

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