Assessment of Fecal Lactobacillus spp Distribution as a Biomarker for Dysbiosis in Iraqi Post-Cholecystectomy Patients

Alaa Abdullah Rashid

Abstract

Cholecystectomy is a highly prevalent procedure in Iraq for treating cholelithiasis; nonetheless, many patients develop post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS). Emerging molecular studies suggest that 'biliary dysbiosis,' caused by the constant input of bile acids into the intestinal lumen, is a major cause of these symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of Lactobacillus spp. as a potential biomarker for dysbiosis, as well as its relationship to gastrointestinal distress in Iraqis. A case-control clinical investigation was carried out at Baghdad Hospital for Digestive Diseases with 100 participants (40 males and 60 females) aged 40 to 60 years. The participants were separated into two groups: a control group of 50 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis (pre-operative) and a case group of 50 patients who had a cholecystectomy 12 weeks before. Fecal samples were tested using 16S rRNA gene-specific PCR to assess the prevalence and relative band intensity of Lactobacillus species. The microbial distribution was evaluated statistically, using chi-square and densitometric methods, in connection to clinical complaints. The data showed that the prevalence and relative density of Lactobacillus species were significantly lower in the post-cholecystectomy group than in the control group. These microbial changes had a strong negative connection (r = -0.78) with the intensity of gastrointestinal distress. The loss of gallbladder function caused a dramatic "microbial shift" in the intestinal environment, which impacted the stability of helpful lactic acid bacteria. The findings demonstrate that gallbladder resection creates a distinct microbial imbalance in the Iraqi population. In Iraqi clinics, restoring microbial balance with tailored probiotic drugs and dietary adjustments shows promise as a therapeutic technique for managing PCS symptoms.