Effects of Different Living Environments on Intestinal Flora in Patients With Schistosoma Japonicum-Induced Liver...

Schistosomiasis japonica is a parasitic disease leading to liver cirrhosis. China's "fishermen going ashore" policy divides patients with schistosomiasis liver fibrosis into two groups: those near the infected waters and those inland far from the infected water. This study aims to compare the differences in intestinal flora between two groups from the perspective of intestinal flora, and provide a basis for future prevention and control priorities. This study collected feces and basic information of patients with Schistosoma japonicum cirrhosis living near infected water and living on land. The characteristics of intestinal flora of the two types of patients were compared by 16sRNA sequencing technology. The infected water contact group and the terrestrial living group showed significant differences in intestinal flora characteristics: the former showed dominance of Firmicutes, high α-diversity, enrichment of butyrate-producing bacteria (such as Blautia), and enhanced environmental adaptability; the latter showed an imbalanced state with increased Proteobacteria and reduced α-diversity, accompanied by abnormal lipid metabolism and barrier function damage.