Recent research reveals a link between gut microbiota composition and the risk of infection-related hospitalization. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, scientists studied gut bacteria in two large European cohorts, finding that higher levels of butyrate-producing bacteria might protect against severe infections requiring hospitalization.
The data analyzed involved over 10,000 participants and showed that individuals with more butyrate-producing bacteria had a reduced risk of severe infections. In contrast, those with higher levels of pathogenic bacteria like Veillonella and Streptococcus were more prone to severe infections. The protective effect remained even after adjusting for age, sex, and lifestyle factors.
These findings suggest that modulating gut microbiota could prevent severe infections. If confirmed by further studies, this could lead to dietary guidelines aimed at increasing beneficial gut bacteria, potentially reducing infection-related hospitalizations and easing healthcare burdens.
SOURCE:
News Medical, June 24, 2024