Identification of Dysfunctional Gut Microbiota Through Rectal Swab in Patients with Different Severity of Acute

Shanshan Yu1, Yangyang Xiong2, Jun Xu1

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.

Abstract

Insights

Gut microbiota profiles differ significantly across acute pancreatitis (AP) severity grades. Specific bacterial species like Bacteroides, Escherichis-Shigella, and Enterococcus are dominant in mild, moderate, and severe AP, respectively, indicating a role in disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Acute pancreatitis (AP) presents a broad spectrum of severity, often leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
  • The association between gut microbiota dysbiosis and AP severity remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate distinct gut microbiota alterations in different grades of AP severity.
  • To identify potential microbial biomarkers for AP severity classification.

Main Methods:

  • Collected clinical data and rectal swab samples from 80 individuals.
  • Utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing for gut microbiota analysis.
  • Performed species composition, difference, random forest, and correlation network analyses.

Main Results:

  • Distinct gut microbiota profiles were observed across AP severity grades.
  • Dominant species varied: Bacteroides (mild AP), Escherichis-Shigella (moderately severe AP), and Enterococcus (severe AP).
  • Identified potential diagnostic biomarkers: Finegoldia, Eubacterium_hallii, and Lachnospiraceae for mild AP; Eubacterium_hallii and Anaerococcus for moderately severe AP.

Conclusions:

  • Disturbed gut microbiota composition correlates with AP severity, suggesting a role in disease progression.
  • Specific bacterial species and their interactions may serve as indicators for AP severity.
  • Further research into these microbial signatures could inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.