Assessment of gut microbiota in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract
Background: Pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an undetermined complex mechanism which include interaction between genetic, environmental and immunological factors. Recent studies suggest a possible role for gut microbiome in the pathogenesis. Objectives: To assess the alteration of fecal Bacteroids, Lactobacilli, and Prevotella genera among RA patients. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 25 patients newly diagnosed as RA (RA group) and 25 healthy controls (control group) for quantitation of Bacteroids, Lactobacilli, and Prevotella genera by real time PCR. Results: The intestinal microbiome of RA group was significantly altered. We reported a significant enrichment of the bacterial Lactobacilli genus in RA patients (16.206% vs 1.5%; P