Secret To Fighting Infections Lies In Gut Microbiome
Recent research underscores the critical role of gut bacteria in influencing infection risk, revealing that individuals hospitalized with infections tend to have microbiomes with reduced levels of bacteria capable of producing the beneficial fatty acid butyrate.
The study, which examined over 600 hospitalized patients with infections, found that these individuals exhibited lower counts of butyrate-producing bacteria in their microbiomes. Butyrate is known to be produced as these bacteria digest dietary fiber, and its positive impact on the immune system has been observed in animal studies. However, its effects in humans were previously unclear.
“We aimed to determine whether the altered gut flora observed in patients with acute infections was a consequence of the infection itself or if these individuals inherently possessed lower levels of butyrate-producing bacteria,” explained Bob Kullberg, a doctoral student at Amsterdam University Medical Center and co-author of the study. “Our findings now shed light on this longstanding question.”
Researchers conducted detailed analyses of stool samples from more than 10,000 individuals, focusing on 16 specific bacteria known for their butyrate production. They discovered that higher levels of these bacteria correlated with a lower likelihood of infection among hospitalized patients.
“In those with a 10% increase in these bacteria, we observed a notable 15% to 25% decrease in infection risk,” Kullberg noted in a medical center press release. This association suggests that the composition of the microbiome not only impacts gastrointestinal infections but also potentially influences infections affecting other organs, such as the bladder or lungs. Factors like age, antibiotic history, and underlying health conditions were considered, as they can influence microbiome composition.
Published in The Lancet Microbe journal on June 20, the study underscores the significance of maintaining a healthy microbiome. It also opens avenues for predicting infection risks and exploring preventive strategies.
“Further research is essential to explore dietary or probiotic interventions aimed at enhancing butyrate levels, thus potentially mitigating the risk of severe infections,” added Dr. Joost Wiersinga, co-author and Chair of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the medical center.
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