Introduction: All the microorganisms inhabiting the particular human body regions or organs are collectively called a microbiome. The human body encompasses several various microbiomes that include specific populations of microorganisms. Gut microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) may lead to various diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While human microbiomes are abundant in non-breeding species, and traditional research methods based on classical microbiology have been proved to be ineffective, it is necessary to characterize in detail their composition to further evaluated function of particular microbiota. The knowledge about the microbial components of the intestinal ecosystem is still very limited, including Roseburia hominis.

Material and methods: The aim of the study was to identify Roseburia hominis in the faeces samples using PCR techniques. The study was conducted on samples obtained from patients with IBS (women, n=70, and men, n=50) and individuals without any intestinal symptoms (women, n=28, and men, n=23). After bacterial DNA extraction, qualitative identification of Roseburia hominis, based on the amplification of RHOM_14625 and RHOM_14635 gene fragments was performed. Then, a statistical analysis of the obtained data, using the Chi-square test was conducted.

Results: Assessed RHOM_14625 gene fragments were recognized in samples derived from 9 female and 21 male IBS patients, and in 15 and 7 female and male control individuals, respectively. The presence of the RHOM_14635 gene fragment was detected in 35 and 33 samples obtained from female and male patients, respectively, and in 18 and 7 samples from female and male control individuals. Differences in the analyzed genes distribution were statistically significant (p-value = 0.0001, and p-value = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion: Further molecular studies are necessary to evaluate the role of Roseburia hominis in the intestinal microbiome in IBS patients.

Funding: Grant Preludium - NCN 2016/21/N/NZ5/01423 (principal: Paulina Pecyna).