Gut Microbiota Composition Can Predict Colonization by Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in SARS-CoV-2 Patients in
Jorge García-García1, Patricia Diez-Echave1,2, María Eugenia Yuste2,3
1Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
Abstract:
The SARS-CoV-2 infection has increased the number of patients entering Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities and antibiotic treatments. Concurrently, the multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDRB) colonization index has risen. Considering that most of these bacteria are derived from gut microbiota, the study of its composition is essential. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 infection may promote gut dysbiosis, suggesting an effect on microbiota composition. This pilot study aims to determine bacteria biomarkers to predict MDRB colonization risk in SARS-CoV-2 patients in ICUs. Seventeen adult patients with an ICU stay >48 h and who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled in this study. Patients were assigned to two groups according to routine MDRB colonization surveillance: non-colonized and colonized. Stool samples were collected when entering ICUs, and microbiota composition was determined through Next Generation Sequencing techniques. Gut microbiota from colonized patients presented significantly lower bacterial diversity compared with non-colonized patients (p < 0.05). Microbiota in colonized subjects showed higher abundance of Anaerococcus, Dialister and Peptoniphilus, while higher levels of Enterococcus, Ochrobactrum and Staphylococcus were found in non-colonized ones. Moreover, LEfSe analysis suggests an initial detection of Dialister propionicifaciens as a biomarker of MDRB colonization risk. This pilot study shows that gut microbiota profile can become a predictor biomarker for MDRB colonization in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Insights
SARS-CoV-2 patients in ICUs with higher risk of multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDRB) colonization show altered gut microbiota. Specific bacteria may predict MDRB colonization, aiding early intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection has led to increased ICU admissions and antibiotic use.
- A rise in multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDRB) colonization has been observed concurrently.
- Gut microbiota alterations may influence MDRB colonization risk, especially in critically ill patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify bacterial biomarkers in gut microbiota for predicting MDRB colonization risk in SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted to the ICU.
- To explore the relationship between gut dysbiosis and MDRB colonization in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 17 adult SARS-CoV-2 positive patients with ICU stays >48 hours.
- Stool sample collection upon ICU admission for gut microbiota analysis using Next Generation Sequencing.
- Comparison of microbiota composition between MDRB-colonized and non-colonized patient groups.
Main Results:
- Colonized patients exhibited significantly lower gut bacterial diversity compared to non-colonized patients (p < 0.05).
- Specific bacterial abundances differed: higher Anaerococcus, Dialister, and Peptoniphilus in colonized; higher Enterococcus, Ochrobactrum, and Staphylococcus in non-colonized.
- Dialister propionicifaciens was identified as a potential biomarker for MDRB colonization risk.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota profiles can serve as predictive biomarkers for MDRB colonization in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
- Understanding gut microbiota composition is crucial for managing MDRB risk in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
- This pilot study highlights the potential of microbiota-based diagnostics for early risk assessment.
