Small-Intestinal Mucosal Antibodies Against Antigens of Non-Pathogenic Luminal or Mucosal Bacteria in Young Children With and Without Diarrhœa

Intestinal Barrier to Intact Horseradish Peroxidase in Experimental Secretory Diarrhea

“…2. Avigad et al (15) demonstrated that, despite normal histology, children with diarrhea possessed more antibodies against bacterial antigens, than control children.…”

Jejunal Bacterial Overgrowth in Acute and Persistent Infectious Diarrhea

“…where tested . there was a high prevalence of coliforms (43). Among children who subsequently developed persistent diarrhea.…”

“…Several factors may be involved: altered intestinal motility, metabolic interactions between intestinal microorganisms (45), or the presence of free carbohydrates within the intestinal lumen (33). The intestinal mucosa mounts an immunological response (5) that is directed against the bacterial constituents of the overgrowth (43); this response may be inadequate in some patients, particularly those who are malnourished. Whatever the nature of these factors may be, they appear to be specific for infectious diarrhea since jejunal bacterial overgrowth does not usually occur in other co nd itio ns characterized by diffuse abnormalities of the small bowel, such as celiac disease (26,46).…”