Abstract
BackgroundMost people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and are at risk of gut complications. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is apparent within the CF population across all age groups, with evidence linking dysbiosis to intestinal inflammation and other markers of health. This pilot study aimed to investigate the potential relationships between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal physiology, transit, and health. Study designFaecal samples from 10 pwCF and matched controls were subject to 16S rRNA sequencing. Results were combined with clinical metadata and MRI metrics of gut function to investigate relationships. ResultspwCF had significantly reduced microbiota diversity compared to controls. Microbiota compositions were significantly different, suggesting remodelling of core and rarer satellite taxa in CF. Dissimilarity between groups was driven by a variety of taxa, including Escherichia coli, Bacteroides spp., Clostridium spp., and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. The core taxa were explained primarily by CF disease, whilst the satellite taxa were associated with pulmonary antibiotic usage, CF disease, and gut function metrics. Species-specific ordination biplots revealed relationships between taxa and the clinical or MRI-based variables observed. ConclusionsAlterations in gut function and transit resultant of CF disease are associated with the gut microbiota composition, notably the satellite taxa. Delayed transit in the small intestine might allow for the expansion of satellite taxa resulting in potential downstream consequences for core community function in the colon.
Highlights
Cystic fibrosis (CF) associated respiratory infections are the major cause of disease morbidity and mortality
Within-group core microbiota similarity was higher within the healthy control group, with a mean similarity (± SD) of 0.60 ± 0.08 compared to 0.40 ± 0.11 for the CF group (Fig. 2B)
Analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) testing determined the whole microbiota, core, and satellite taxa of the CF group were significantly different in composition compared to healthy controls (Fig. 2B, Table S9)
Summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) associated respiratory infections are the major cause of disease morbidity and mortality. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is apparent within the CF population across all age groups, with evidence linking dysbiosis to intestinal inflammation and other markers of health. This pilot study aimed to investigate the potential relationships between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal physiology, transit, and health. Results were combined with clinical metadata and MRI metrics of gut function to investigate relationships. Conclusions: Alterations in gut function and transit resultant of CF disease are associated with the gut microbiota composition, notably the satellite taxa. Delayed transit in the small intestine might allow for the expansion of satellite taxa resulting in potential downstream consequences for core community function in the colon
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
