Prevotella and Klebsiella Proportions in Fecal Microbial Communities are Potential Characteristic Parameters for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract Background The diagnosis of major depression disorder (MDD) and other mental disorders were depended on some subjective survey scales. There are confirmed relationship between the gut flora and the mental states of MDD patients. Methods The V3-V4 region of the 16 S rRNA gene was extracted from the fecal microbial communities in MDD patients, PCR amplified and sequenced on the Illumina Miseq platform. Results More phylum Firmicutes, less Bacteroidetes, and more genus Prevotella, Klebsiella, Streptococcus and Clostridium XI were found in MDD patients. The changes of the proportion of Prevotella and Klebsiella were consistent with Hamilton depression rating scale. Limitations The conclusion was limited by small sample sizes and potential uncontrollable influence factors on fecal microbiota. Discussion Prevotella and Klebsiella proportion in fecal microbial communities should be concerned in the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of MDD in future.