Changes in the gut microbiota after hepatitis C virus eradication.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Hepatology

Background:

• The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host immunity and interacts with infectious diseases.
• Alterations in gut microbiota composition are linked to liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gut microbiota changes in patients with CHC before, during, and after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication.

Main Methods:

• Fecal samples were collected from 14 CHC patients at three time points: before DAA treatment (Pre), end of treatment (EOT), and 24 weeks post-treatment (Post24).
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-4 region) was performed using the Illumina Miseq platform to analyze microbial diversity and composition.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiota diversity did not significantly change across the treatment phases (Pre, EOT, Post24).
• Principal coordinates analysis indicated stable microbial profiles within individual patients over time.
• The relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and Bacillus significantly increased at EOT and Post24 compared to Pre-treatment levels.

Conclusions:

• HCV eradication through DAA treatment induces specific shifts in gut microbiota composition, notably increasing beneficial bacteria.
• These microbial changes should be considered as part of the host's response to HCV eradication.