Tuberculosis Prognosis and Clinical Synergistic Activity with gut Microbiome

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat, caused by *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*.
• The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health and is increasingly linked to infectious diseases like TB.
• Antimycobacterial drugs can alter the gut microbiota composition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between tuberculosis and gut microbiota.
• To explore the gut-brain, gut-liver, and gut-lung axes in the context of TB.
• To identify potential immune regulation strategies using gut commensal bacteria.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on tuberculosis and gut microbiota.
• Analysis of microbial composition changes in TB patients and animal models.
• Examination of the role of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria.

Main Results:

• Tuberculosis infection is strongly associated with gut microbial dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria.
• Specific microbial alterations, including changes in SCFA producers like *Bifidobacterium* and *Ruminococcus*, are observed.
• The gut microbiota communicates with organs via the gut-brain, gut-liver, and gut-lung axes.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbial dysbiosis is a key feature of tuberculosis.
• Targeting the gut microbiota could offer novel therapeutic approaches for TB.
• Further research into gut commensal bacteria may lead to immune regulation strategies against tuberculosis.