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Published on: February 7, 2025
206
DECIPHERING GUT MICROBIOTA IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE SEPSIS AND SEPTIC SHOCK
Se Ju Lee, Dajeong Kim1, Hea Won Ann2
1Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Shock (Augusta, Ga.)
|October 25, 2023
Summary
The gut microbiome differs between sepsis survivors, nonsurvivors, and healthy individuals. A low Shannon index in the gut microbiome is a significant risk factor for 6-month mortality in sepsis patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to sepsis susceptibility and poor outcomes.
- The specific changes in intestinal microbiota during sepsis and their potential as biomarkers remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the intestinal microbiota composition and diversity between sepsis patients and healthy controls.
- To investigate the association between gut microbiome alterations and 6-month mortality in sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples were collected from sepsis patients (stratified by mortality) and healthy controls.
- Microbiome diversity and composition were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing.
- Alpha-diversity was assessed using operational taxonomic unit counts, Chao1, Shannon, and ACE indices; Cox regression analyzed mortality risk factors.
Main Results:
- Nonsurvivors exhibited lower operational taxonomic unit counts, Chao1, and ACE indices compared to survivors and controls.
- Healthy controls had a higher Shannon index and lower Simpson index than sepsis patients.
- The genus Blautia was more abundant in controls, while Faecalibacterium was less abundant in nonsurvivors.
Conclusions:
- Distinct gut microbiome profiles exist among sepsis survivors, nonsurvivors, and healthy individuals.
- A reduced Shannon index in the gut microbiome is identified as a risk factor for 6-month mortality in sepsis.
