Significant difference in gut microbiota Bifidobacterium species but not Lactobacillus species in colorectal cancer patients in comparison with healthy volunteers using quantitative real-time PCR.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), with a growing incidence trend, is one of the most diagnosed cancers and the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The literature has frequently focused attention on the correlation between the gut microbiota imbalance and CRC. The genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have recently received increasing attention because of their potential in restoring alterations in the gut microflora.