Infantile Anemia and Iron Treatments Affect the Gut Microbiome of Young Rhesus Monkeys

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science
• Primate Research

Background:

• Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent global health issue, particularly in infants.
• The gut microbiome plays a critical role in host health and metabolism.
• The impact of iron status on the gut microbiome in early life is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of iron deficiency anemia and subsequent iron treatments on the gut microbiome of young rhesus monkeys.
• To compare the effects of parenteral (intramuscular iron dextran) versus enteral (oral iron-yeast ferritin) iron supplementation on gut microbial composition.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of hindgut bacterial profiles in iron-deficient anemic versus iron-sufficient infant rhesus monkeys using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.
• Analysis of fecal specimens before and after iron treatment in anemic monkeys.
• Utilized beta diversity and LEfSe analyses to assess microbial composition shifts.

Main Results:

• Iron deficiency anemia was associated with distinct gut microbiota profiles, although species richness was not significantly different.
• Both parenteral and oral iron supplementation increased alpha and beta diversity metrics in the gut microbiome.
• The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae and other Firmicutes shifted towards an iron-sufficient profile, with enrichment of other bacterial groups.

Conclusions:

• Host iron status profoundly influences the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome in infant rhesus monkeys.
• Iron supplementation can restore gut microbial balance, but potential implications for iron-responsive pathogens warrant consideration.
• Findings highlight the importance of iron status in gut health and suggest caution in iron supplementation strategies in vulnerable populations.