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A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine has uncovered significant differences in the gut microbiomes of infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) compared to healthy infants. Published in the journal mBio, the findings suggest that CF disrupts the normal maturation of gut bacteria, which may have adverse health effects.
Cystic fibrosis is a multi-organ genetic disorder characterized by the buildup of sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system, as well as heightened inflammation in the gut and other body sites. In healthy infants, the gut microbiome undergoes dynamic changes influenced by birth delivery methods, breastfeeding, and dietary transitions. By ages three to five, the microbiome stabilizes into an adult-like composition, which is crucial for healthy development.
However, lead author Benjamin Ross, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Dartmouth, noted that little was known about how this process occurs in infants with CF. “We set out to study how the gut microbiome of infants with the disease matured and whether that maturation process differed from healthy kids,” said Ross.
The research team recruited a cohort of 40 infants with CF from Northern New England, tracking their gut microbiome development from birth to three years of age. They used DNA sequencing to analyze stool samples and compared the results with microbiome data from healthy infants across the U.S. and Northern Europe.
“Our major conclusion was that in CF, the microbiome really doesn’t change very much—it’s essentially stunted or delayed in its maturation compared to healthy kids. This failure to mature may contribute to poor health,” Ross explained. One notable finding was a depletion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a beneficial bacterium known for its anti-inflammatory properties and role in breaking down dietary fiber.
Looking ahead, Ross and his colleagues plan to conduct follow-up studies using mouse models to better understand the mechanisms behind these microbiome alterations and their health consequences. “We hope this work can lead to the development of interventions such as probiotics or dietary modifications that may help mitigate the effects of CF on the microbiome,” he added.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals concerned about cystic fibrosis or gut health should consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
