Early Postoperative Endoscopic Recurrence in Crohn's Disease Is Characterised by Distinct Microbiota Recolonisation

Background and Aims: Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis is implicated in Crohn's disease [CD] and may play an important role in triggering postoperative disease recurrence [POR]. We prospectively studied faecal and mucosal microbial recolonisation following ileocaecal resection to identify the predictive value of recurrence-related microbiota. Methods: Mucosal and/or faecal samples from 121 CD patients undergoing ileocaecal resection were collected at predefined time points before and after surgery. Ileal biopsies were collected from 39 healthy controls. POR was defined by a Rutgeerts score >= i2b.The microbiota was evaluated by 16S rRNA sequencing. Prediction analysis was performed using C5.0 and Random Forest algorithms. Results: The mucosa-associated microbiota in CD patients was characterised by a depletion of butyrate-producing species (false discovery rate [FDR]