Non-culture-based studies of the appendiceal microbiota: a systematic review.

Aims: To review studies examining the appendiceal microbiota and microbial changes in acute appendicitis.

Methods

After a systematic literature search, 11 studies examining the appendiceal microbiota (414 samples) using non-culture-based methods were included.

Results

The appendiceal microbiota showed decreased α-diversity compared with fecal microbiota. Inflamed and uninflamed appendices showed differences in β-diversity, and there was an increased abundance of oral-associated bacteria in inflamed versus uninflamed appendices.

Conclusion

The appendiceal microbiota exhibits lower α-diversity than the fecal microbiota, with an increased abundance of oral-associated bacteria. Compared with uninflamed appendices, the appendix microbiota in acute appendicitis also showed increased abundance of oral-associated bacteria, but no bacterial profile unique to either complicated or uncomplicated appendicitis was found.