Pattern of Metabolism and Composition of the Fecal Microflora in Infants 10 to 18 Months Old from Day Care Centers

Abstract

Many biochemical parameters were comparable to those found in adults, with the exception of ammonia concentration and beta-galactosidase activity. The fecal bacterial profile was different than in adults, with more Bifidobacteria than Bacteroides and higher levels of facultative anaerobes. One infant suffering from gastroenteritis had distinctive biochemical and bacterial parameters.