The first comparative metagenomic analysis of diarrheal and non-diarrheal gut microbiome leading to the identification of prospective prognostic markers and probiotics to protect from diarrhea: A Brief Report

Full text loading... Abstract Introduction: Diarrhea is a leading contributor of mortality. Its disease burden can be assuaged using enhanced prognostics and therapeutics. A cross-sectional gut microbiome analysis of non-diarrheal and diarrheal fecal samples was conducted to meet the goals of the Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhea. Hypothesis: Next-generation Sequencing as a tool for epidemiological surveillance helps in the comparison of structural diversity of the gut microbiome of diarrheal and non-diarrheal samples and can identify prognostic and therapeutic candidates. Aim: The pilot study was designed to identify taxa that are enriched in non-diarrheal samples and to predict gut microbial interactions. Methodology: 16SrRNA amplicon sequencing and analysis were deployed for taxonomic profiling and abundance interpretation of OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units). Results: The findings suggested significant differences in structural composition between the two groups. Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum in most samples. B/F ratio was consistently <1 in all diarrheal samples. Proteobacteria was more abundant in diarrheal samples. Prevotellaceae was the most abundant family in non-diarrheal samples. Streptococcaceae was the most abundant family in 60% diarrheal samples.Where Streptococcaceae was suppressed, Bacteroideaceae and Nocardeaceae were the most abundant. In non-diarrheal samples where Bifidobacteriaceae was the most abundant other families were significantly low. A negative correlation was observed between Prevotellaceae and Bacteroideaceae in non-diarrheal samples. Prevotella copri was the most abundant species in 70% non-diarrheal samples and was significantly suppressed in diarrheal samples. Proteus mirabilis was identified in all the non-diarrheal samples and were absent in diarrheal samples. Conclusion: The OTUs associated with diarrheal dysbiosis can serve as prognostic markers. This is the first report on the comparative analysis of diarrheal and non-diarrheal microbiome. The study addressed gut microbiome dysbiosis from the context that can lead to the development of prognostic markers and probiotics for protecting the endemic population from diarrhea and help in reaching Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3. - Received: - Version Posted: Funding - DHR (Award R.12015/01/2018-HR) - Principal Award Recipient: Rituparna De