A recent study has revealed that the composition of the gut microbiome can help predict an individual’s susceptibility to life-threatening infections caused by bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli. The research highlights the potential of dietary changes, particularly taking fibre-rich foods, to alter the gut microbiome and reduce the risk of these infections.
Enterobacteriaceae, a bacterial group that includes Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella, and E. coli, is typically present in small quantities in a healthy gut microbiome. However, factors like inflammation or consuming contaminated food can lead to an overgrowth, potentially causing severe illness.
Researchers analyzed the gut microbiomes of over 12,000 individuals across 45 countries using advanced computational tools, including AI. Their findings showed specific microbiome signatures that predict the likelihood of Enterobacteriaceae colonization, regardless of health status or geography. Notably, 135 gut microbe species were identified as commonly present in the absence of Enterobacteriaceae. Among these, Faecalibacterium stood out for its role in producing short-chain fatty acids from dietary fibre, which protect against harmful pathogens.
Published in Nature Microbiology, the study emphasizes that fibre-rich diets—featuring vegetables, beans, and whole grains—support the growth of protective gut bacteria. This, in turn, crowds out harmful bacteria, lowering the risk of infections. Probiotics, which do not directly alter the gut environment, may be less effective in infection prevention compared to dietary modifications.
Dr. Alexandre Almeida, the study’s senior author, underscored the importance of dietary habits in controlling susceptibility to infections. He noted that consuming fibre-rich foods provides essential nutrients for gut bacteria to produce protective compounds like short-chain fatty acids, offering a natural defense against pathogens such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
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