Investigation of intestinal microbiome in chronic spontaneous urticaria patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is a disorder characterized by itchy erythematous plaques with edema lasting 6 weeks or more. The prevalence is 1%, and two thirds of these cases are "chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)." Drugs, food, infections, and systemic diseases may be etiologic factors for CSU, although it may be idiopathic. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the diversity and distribution of the intestinal microbiome in CSU patients with that of healthy individuals. The hypothesis was to determine the probable association of intestinal microbiome with CSU. METHODS: This study was conducted in Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology. In this study, 20 CSU patients and 10 healthy volunteers were included. Stool samples were collected from all participants. 16S RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed after isolation of DNA isolation from all samples. RESULTS: Diversity in microorganisms, stool pH averages, Bristol scores, and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes were the significant changes between the two groups. LIMITATIONS: Due to high cost involved in microbiota studies, only a limited number of patients and volunteers participated. CONCLUSION: The alteration in the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) may be an essential factor for CSU development and may explain idiopathic cases.