A recent study has shown that consuming more fiber can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, offering protection against harmful infections, particularly those caused by Enterobacteriaceae. This group of bacteria, which includes pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella, and E. coli, typically exists in low levels within a healthy microbiome. However, when inflammation increases or food contamination occurs, these bacteria can proliferate and lead to illness, potentially becoming life-threatening in extreme cases.
Using advanced computational techniques, including artificial intelligence, researchers analyzed stool samples from over 12,000 people across 45 countries. Their findings revealed that an individual’s microbiome ‘signature’ can predict the likelihood of Enterobacteriaceae colonization, with consistent results observed across various health states and geographic regions.
The researchers identified 135 species of gut microbes commonly present in the absence of Enterobacteriaceae, suggesting they play a role in protecting the gut from infection. Notably, the bacterium Faecalibacterium, known for producing short-chain fatty acids from fiber, stood out as a key player in defending against these harmful pathogens.
The study suggests that increasing dietary fiber, particularly from sources like vegetables, beans, and whole grains, can encourage the growth of these protective bacteria. This, in turn, may help crowd out the harmful bacteria and significantly reduce the risk of infection.
In contrast, probiotics, which do not directly alter the gut’s environment, are less likely to have a similar protective effect against Enterobacteriaceae infection.
Dr. Alexandre Almeida, a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of diet in controlling bacterial infections. “What we eat plays a crucial role in shaping our gut environment, making it less hospitable to disease-causing bacteria,” he explained. “Fiber-rich foods provide the necessary raw materials for gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids, which protect us from harmful pathogens.”
Klebsiella pneumoniae, a major concern due to its role in pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections, has been increasingly resistant to antibiotics. This growing antibiotic resistance has prompted scientists to explore new ways to manage these infections, with prevention being a key strategy. Dr. Almeida added, “As antibiotic resistance rises, we must focus on preventing infections in the first place by reducing the opportunities for harmful bacteria to thrive in the gut.”
The study also challenged previous theories on gut bacteria interactions. While earlier research suggested competition for nutrients could prevent harmful bacteria from establishing themselves, the new findings reveal that 172 species of gut microbes can coexist with Enterobacteriaceae. Many of these species share similar nutritional needs, implying that simply starving out harmful bacteria through competition may not be effective.
These insights have significant implications for treatment. Rather than relying on probiotics that compete with harmful bacteria for resources, the researchers advocate for dietary changes to modify the gut environment and reduce infection risks.
“This study underscores the importance of studying pathogens within the broader context of the gut microbiome, rather than in isolation,” said Dr. Qi Yin, a visiting researcher at Cambridge and first author of the report.
The research, published in Nature Microbiology, represents a shift in understanding how diet and gut microbiome interactions can influence health, particularly in preventing infections caused by harmful bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
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