Characteristics of Intestinal Flora in Patients With Schistosoma japonicum Infection Undergoing Splenectomy

Schistosomiasis japonica is a parasitic disease that seriously endangers human health. Patients with advanced Schistosoma japonicum infection often suffer from cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Splenectomy has been widely used in the treatment of these patients. Previous studies have confirmed that S. japonicum infection is closely related to the gut microbiota, but the impact of splenectomy on the gut microbiota of patients with advanced S. japonicum infection remains unclear. This study used 16sRNA sequencing technology to compare the differences in intestinal flora between patients with advanced S. japonicum infection who underwent splenectomy and non-surgical patients. We focused on the changes in the species composition, diversity and functions of the intestinal flora. Our study shows that dysbiosis of the gut microbiome occurred in patients with advanced S. japonicum infection, including changes in abundance and diversity and the disorder of biological function. The intestinal flora structure, diversity and function of patients who underwent splenectomy were significantly changed compared with those who did not undergo surgery.