Influence of Stress on Faecal Carriage of Clostridium perfringens

Abstract

A drastic change in a human's way of life is known to lead to dramatic modifications in intestinal microbial balance. The effects of mild stress of everyday life have, however, been poorly investigated. In this study, we have attempted to assess whether final written examination stress modifies the faecal microbiota in healthy young adults. Diet was standardised and faecal samples collected during two periods of 48 h each, the first 6 weeks before and the second during the final written examination. Faecal hydration as well as counts in total aerobes, anaerobes, enterobacteria, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens and bifidobacteria were determined. Bifidobacteria, enterococci and enterobacteria did not show any significant variation. A significant rise in C. perfringens counts was observed throughout this examination period. It preceded the increase in faecal hydration only observed after a change in diet. Since psychological stress is known to increase intestinal mucin release, C. perfringens overgrowth might reflect a better adaptation to substrates provided by the stressed host.

• Clostridium Perfringens
• Stress
• Clinical Trial