A new study analyzing gut microbiome data from over 12,000 people across 45 countries has revealed that microbiome composition can predict susceptibility to infections, from dangerous bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae to E.coli. The research identified 135 protective gut microbe species that commonly occur in the absence of harmful Enterobacteriaceae, with Faecalibacterium bacteria being particularly notable for producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids through fiber breakdown.
While the study found that 172 species of gut microbes can actually coexist with disease-causing bacteria (contrary to previous mouse-based research), the findings suggest that dietary changes, particularly increasing fiber intake, may be more effective than probiotics in preventing infections. This is because fiber supports the growth of beneficial bacteria, which creates a more hostile gut environment for pathogens. Probiotics, on the other hand, may merely compete for nutrients, making them less effective than fiber.
Overall, the research offers new hope for preventing infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria by focusing on dietary interventions that modify the gut environment rather than relying solely on traditional treatments.
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