Effects of sepsis and its treatment measures on intestinal flora structure in critical care patients

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a common disease in intensive care units, with high morbidity and mortality. Intestinal microecology plays a vital part in the development and progression of this disease, possibly because sepsis and its treatment cause specific changes in the composition of the intestinal flora. AIM: To investigate the characteristics of intestinal flora disturbance in sepsis patients treated with antibiotics. METHODS: gene sequencing of samples collected 0 d, 3 d, and 7 d after admittance to the intensive care unit. Correlations between the serum levels of procalcitonin, endotoxin, diamine oxidase, and D-lactic acid and the intestinal flora composition of sepsis patients were also investigated. RESULTS: was positively correlated with serum procalcitonin, endotoxins, and D-lactic acid. CONCLUSION: Sepsis patients in intensive care units show dysbiosis, lasting for at least 1 wk.