A Balanced Gut Could Prevent Infections
The bacteria group Enterobacteriaceae — including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella, and E. coli — can be beneficial to health in low amounts but become harmful at high levels, potentially leading to serious illness. Using computational methods, including AI, researchers at the University of Cambridge analyzed stool samples from over 12,000 people across 45 countries and discovered that a person’s unique microbiome “signature” could predict the likelihood of these harmful bacteria colonizing the gut.
The study also identified 135 species of beneficial gut microbes that help protect against Enterobacteriaceae overgrowth. A key player in this protection is Faecalibacterium, which produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by breaking down fiber in foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains. These SCFAs help create an environment in the gut that deters the proliferation of harmful bacteria.
In contrast, probiotics, which can affect the microbial inhabitants of the gut, but which don’t directly alter the gut environment, appear less effective at preventing infection by Enterobacteriaceae. The researchers emphasize the importance of fiber in the diet to promote the growth of protective bacteria and reduce the risk of infection causing illness.
