2023-12-14 21:00:00
Research from the University of Oxford has shed new light on the role of the microbiome in protecting us from harmful pathogens. The study, published in the journal “Science”, reveals how communities of bacteria, archaea and fungi in our intestines work together to keep dangerous bacterial species at bay.
The team, led by Frances Spragge, found that the diversity of the microbiome plays a crucial role in this protection. By consuming the nutrients that pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella Typhimurium need to grow, the microbiome effectively prevents their proliferation. The more metabolic pathways the microbiome shares with these pathogens, the more effectively they are contained.
Using artificial cell cultures, the researchers also discovered the important role that Escherichia coli plays in containing intruders. When present in the community, the microbiome is more effective at keeping pathogens in check. However, the reasons for this are still unclear.
The team also conducted experiments on mice with controlled intestinal microbiomes, finding that a diverse microbiome was even more important for protection against pathogens in living creatures.
This research provides valuable insights into the complex and essential role of the microbiome in our gastrointestinal health. Understanding how these communities of microorganisms keep us safe from pathogens could have important implications for future treatments and interventions for a range of diseases.]
#Microbiome #Diversity #intestine #pathogens