chapter 11 case study, alterations in the gut microbiome of children with severe ulcerative colitis

aim

investigate changes in the gut microbiome of children with UC

Hypothesis

1. Healthy microbiome will differ compared to patients with UC, especially patients where steroids aren't working

2. UC patients will exhibit a decrease in microbiome diversity that will correlate with increasing disease severity. 

Patients with less diverse microbiome, worst disease

background

Ulcerative colitis (UC): inflammatory bowel disease that causes sores in colon

step 1:

Shannon index: takes richness and abundance to get value

Does the data support or refute the hypothesis?

step 2:

What parameters of microbial diversity are presented in this figure> select all that apply

According to the figure, UC ____ evenness

step 3

Do you agree with the statement that higher microbial richness is correlated with better gut health?

Would you say that the steroid treatment worked?

conclusions

Ulcerative colitis is associated with lower microbial diversity in the gut. Improving that diversity seems associated with improved gut health

Hypothesis revisited:

1. The microbiomes of healthy children will differ compared to patients with UC, especially patients for whom steroids aren’t working – YES

2. Patients will have a decrease in overall microbiome diversity that will correlate with increasing disease severity – Also, probably yes