Differences in the intestinal microbiota between children and adults with celiac disease (CD) have been reported; however, differences between healthy adults and adults with CD have not been clearly demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the intestinal microbiota between adults with CD and healthy individuals. Microbial communities in faecal samples were evaluated by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and gas-liquid chromatography of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The study group included 10 untreated CD patients, 11 treated CD patients and 11 healthy adults (in normal gluten diet and in GFD). UPGMA clustered the dominant microbial communities of healthy individuals together and separated them from the dominant microbial communities of the untreated CD patients. Most of the dominant microbial communities of the treated CD patients clustered together with those of healthy adults. The treated CD patients showed a reduction in the diversity of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. The presence of Bifidobacterium bifidum was significantly higher in untreated CD patients than healthy adults. There was a significant difference between untreated CD patients and healthy adults, as well as between treated CD patients and healthy adults, regarding acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFAs. In conclusion: healthy adults have a different faecal microbiota from that of untreated CD patients. A portion of the treated CD patients displayed a restored "normal" microbiota. The treated CD patients significantly reduce the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium diversity. Healthy adults have a different faecal SCFAs content from that of CD patients.

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