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Researchers employed computational tools, including artificial intelligence, to analyze the composition of the gut microbiome of over 12,000 people from 45 nations using stool samples. They discovered that a person’s microbiome “signature” may indicate if Enterobacteriaceae are likely to colonize the gut. The outcomes are consistent over several geographical areas and levels of health.
In the absence of Enterobacteriaceae, the researchers identified 135 gut microbe species that are frequently observed, presumably serving as protection against infection.
Among the protective gut microorganisms are a group of bacteria known as Faecalibacterium, which break down food-based fiber to generate short-chain fatty acids which are beneficial molecules. This apparently guards against a variety of disease-causing Enterobacteriaceae bacteria.
According to the experts, increasing fiber intake will help good bacteria flourish and help to drive away harmful ones, therefore greatly lowering our risk of disease.
Conversely, using probiotics—which do not directly alter the gut’s environment—is less likely to influence the risk of Enterobacteriaceae infection.
Because this alters the gut environment to make it more hostile to intruders, the findings imply that what we eat may be rather crucial in reducing the likelihood of infection with an array of bacteria, including E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Foods high in fiber, such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains, supply the raw ingredients the gut bacteria need to generate short chain fatty acids — molecules that can shield from harmful microbes.
Among other infections, Klebsiella pneumonia can produce meningitis and pneumonia. The frightening worldwide increase in antibiotic resistance to this bacterial infection has prompted researchers to search for new methods of maintaining control over other related pathogenic bacteria as well.
Higher degrees of antibiotic resistance mean less therapeutic choices for humans. Reducing the chances for these disease-causing bacteria to flourish in the gut would help to avoid infections altogether, therefore preventing the beginning of their development.
Sources:
Qi Yin, Ana C. da Silva, Francisco Zorrilla, Ana S. Almeida, Kiran R. Patil, Alexandre Almeida. (2025). Ecological dynamics of Enterobacteriaceae in the human gut microbiome across global populations. Nature Microbiology. DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01912-6
University of Cambridge. “Feeding your good gut bacteria through fiber in diet may boost body against infections.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 January 2025. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250110121920.htm
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