Abstract
ABSTRACTBifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum is a member of the human gut microbiota, and specific variants of B. pseudocatenulatum have been associated with health benefits such as improving gut integrity and reducing inflammatory responses. Here, we aimed to assess the genomic diversity and predicted metabolic profiles of B. pseudocatenulatum cells found colonizing the gut of healthy Vietnamese adults and children. We found that the population of B. pseudocatenulatum from each individual was distinct and highly diverse, with intraclonal variation attributed largely to a gain or loss of carbohydrate-utilizing enzymes. The B. pseudocatenulatum genomes were enriched with glycosyl hydrolases predicted to target plant-based nondigestible carbohydrates (GH13, GH43) but not host-derived glycans. Notably, the exopolysaccharide biosynthesis region from organisms isolated from healthy children showed extensive genetic diversity and was subject to a high degree of genetic modification. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiling revealed that the Vietnamese B. pseudocatenulatum cells were uniformly susceptible to beta-lactams but exhibited variable resistance to azithromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole. The genomic presence of ermX and tet variants conferred resistance against azithromycin and tetracycline, respectively; ciprofloxacin resistance was associated with a mutation(s) in the quinolone resistance-determining region (GyrA, S115, and/or D119). Our work provides the first detailed genomic and antimicrobial resistance characterization of B. pseudocatenulatum found in the Vietnamese population, which can be exploited for the rational design of probiotics.IMPORTANCE Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum is a beneficial member of the human gut microbiota. The organism can modulate inflammation and has probiotic potential, but its characteristics are largely strain dependent and associated with distinct genomic and biochemical features. Population-specific beneficial microbes represent a promising avenue for the development of potential probiotics, as they may exhibit a more suitable profile in the target population. This study investigates the underexplored diversity of B. pseudocatenulatum in Vietnam and provides more understanding of its genomic diversity, metabolic potential, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Such data from indigenous populations are essential for selecting probiotic candidates that can be accelerated into further preclinical and clinical investigations.
Highlights
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum is a member of the human gut microbiota, and specific variants of B. pseudocatenulatum have been associated with health benefits such as improving gut integrity and reducing inflammatory responses
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) in obese Spanish children with insulin resistance demonstrated that treatment with the probiotic B. pseudocatenulatum CECT 7765 at 10^9 to 10^10 CFU daily for 13 weeks resulted in a significant improvement in inflammatory status compared to that of dietary recommendation alone, which was reflected by a marked decrease in circulating C-reactive protein and increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [26]
We found that B. pseudocatenulatum was the most prevalent Bifidobacterium species in the adults and the second-most prevalent Bifidobacterium species in children
Summary
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum is a member of the human gut microbiota, and specific variants of B. pseudocatenulatum have been associated with health benefits such as improving gut integrity and reducing inflammatory responses. This study investigates the underexplored diversity of B. pseudocatenulatum in Vietnam and provides more understanding of its genomic diversity, metabolic potential, and antimicrobial susceptibility Such data from indigenous populations are essential for selecting probiotic candidates that can be accelerated into further preclinical and clinical investigations. Bifidobacterium is a genus of Gram-positive non-spore-forming anaerobic bacteria and among the most well-studied members of the human gut microbiota [1]. In a mouse colitis model, B. pseudocatenulatum oral supplementation helped maintain the intestinal mechanical barrier and lowered proinflammation responses [23] These positive preclinical findings have promoted B. pseudocatenulatum development as a probiotic for clinical use. Future RCTs in human are needed to confirm this function, which would
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
