Analysis of the gut microbiota in patients infected with Strongyloides stercoralis

Abstract

Recently new technologies as metagenomic have collaborated to the knowledge of the human gut microbiota, with the purpose of studying their relation with human health. These technologies enabled the recognition of more than 1250 bacterial species, including the phylum Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, which represent more than 90% of the microbiota, although this composition fluctuates among individuals according to genotype, age, hygiene, infection, obesity and diet. The gut microbiota can modulate the immune activity of this organ as well. Microbiota changes can lead to immune alterations and that would be related to metabolic dysfunctions such as diabetes and obesity, based on low systemic inflammatory levels. Moreover, performed studies revealed strong connection between Toll-like receptors and the inflammatory process related to insulin resistance and weight gain. Other results showed the importance of LPS in the development of metabolic syndromes. As regards infections, helminthiasis can perform a very relevant factor in alteration of gut microbiota. One hypothesis is that helminthes could change the distribution and quantity of gut bacteria, resulting in a decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines related with chronic inflammatory condition. For example, strongyloidiasis has a huge importance in Brazilian public health. This parasitosis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and has an easy transmission and dissemination, especially in places with poor sanitation system. Whereas this panorama, our project aims to clarify the relation between changes in microbiota and the metabolic syndromes in the group of patients.(AU)