Gut PathogensPub Date : 2025-06-21DOI: 10.1186/s13099-025-00722-3
Cataldo Maria Mannavola, Flavio De Maio, John Marra, Barbara Fiori, Giulia Santarelli, Brunella Posteraro, Simona Sica, Tiziana D'Inzeo, Maurizio Sanguinetti
{"title":"Bloodstream infection by Lactobacillus rhamnosus in a haematology patient: why metagenomics can make the difference.","authors":"Cataldo Maria Mannavola, Flavio De Maio, John Marra, Barbara Fiori, Giulia Santarelli, Brunella Posteraro, Simona Sica, Tiziana D'Inzeo, Maurizio Sanguinetti","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00722-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00722-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"47"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12182651/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144340039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gut PathogensPub Date : 2025-06-21DOI: 10.1186/s13099-025-00719-y
Arwa Bagasi, Fatimah Alghnnam, Marie Bohol, Fatimah Alhamlan, Arwa Al-Qahtani, Hani Alothaid, Ayman Abdo, Faisal Sanai, Ahmad Al-Qahtani
{"title":"Mutational landscape of the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.","authors":"Arwa Bagasi, Fatimah Alghnnam, Marie Bohol, Fatimah Alhamlan, Arwa Al-Qahtani, Hani Alothaid, Ayman Abdo, Faisal Sanai, Ahmad Al-Qahtani","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00719-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00719-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mutations within the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) were found to correlate with progressive liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mutations in this region can impact viral morphogenesis, virus-host interactions, and immune responses. In this cross-sectional study, we screened for mutations in the pre-S/S regions of HBsAg in sequences retrospectively generated from samples collected in Saudi Arabia. We analyzed 304 full-length HBsAg sequences isolated from samples collected from four clinical groups: inactive (n = 180), active (n = 62), liver cirrhosis (LC) (n = 36), and HCC (n = 26). Three mutations (N103D, Q30K, and I208T) in HBsAg showed significantly higher frequencies in the HCC group compared to other clinical groups. Additionally, the presence of the three mutations combined was significantly associated with HCC in a multivariate analysis. The evolutionary analysis further revealed that these mutation sites are subjected to positive selection within the HCC group. The structural analysis suggested that position 103 within HBsAg pre-S<sub>1</sub> region is prominently accessible and mutations at this site may disrupt interactions with viral/cellular factors or impact recognition by immune responses. Collectively, our findings highlight a significant increase in the frequency of three HBsAg mutations in a cohort of HCC patients in Saudi Arabia and their potential effect.</p>","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12182673/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144340040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gut PathogensPub Date : 2025-06-17DOI: 10.1186/s13099-025-00702-7
Asma'a H Mohamed, Alaa Shafie, Rithab Ibrahim Al-Samawi, Mohammad Chand Jamali, Amal Adnan Ashour, Mohammed Fareed Felemban, Ali Alqarni, Irshad Ahmad, Nasrin Mansuri, Fuzail Ahmad, Adil Abdelrahim Mohammed Yousif
{"title":"The role of probiotics in promoting systemic immune tolerance in systemic lupus erythematosus.","authors":"Asma'a H Mohamed, Alaa Shafie, Rithab Ibrahim Al-Samawi, Mohammad Chand Jamali, Amal Adnan Ashour, Mohammed Fareed Felemban, Ali Alqarni, Irshad Ahmad, Nasrin Mansuri, Fuzail Ahmad, Adil Abdelrahim Mohammed Yousif","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00702-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00702-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder branded via over-activation of the immune system, resulting in atypical roles of natural and adaptive immune cells and the making of numerous autoantibodies against nuclear components. The causes and pathogenesis of this disease are not completely realized. The gut microbiota plays a significant character in human health and disorder, particularly in autoimmune diseases.Gut microbiome dysbiosis can affect the host immune system as suggested by several recent studies, balance and activity of the gut microbiome, which are influenced by daily diet, might be associated with disease activity in SLE. There are rising signs to support the immunomodulatory abilities of certain probiotics. Numerous investigational and clinical surveys have demonstrated the useful effects of certain probiotic bacteria, mainly strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in patients with SLE. Various species of bacteria were found to be positively or negatively associated with SLE gut microbiomes. A better comprehension of the Studying the gut microbiota will provide a good opportunity to identify microbes involved in tolerance in systemic lupus patients. The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature on probiotics that have the ability to restore tolerance and modulate the levels of inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines that play a role in SLE.</p>","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"45"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12172233/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Risk factors and outcomes of Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with colorectal cancer: critical perspective in management.","authors":"Hamideh Raeisi, Spigaglia Patrizia, Amir Sadeghi, Fabrizio Barbanti, Glenn Tillotson, Hossein Safarpour, Mohamadreza Zali, Ehsan Nazemalhosseini Mojarad","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00717-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00717-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, causing a serious threat to global health and social burden. Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most important nosocomial infections and has a higher incidence in cancerous population compared with non-cancerous cases. Different risk factors, including gut microbiota dysbiosis, extensive surgery, chemotherapy, prolonged hospitalization, and antimicrobial therapy, compromise host defenses against CDI and contribute to cancer patients' susceptibility to this infection. The emergence of CDI in patients with CRC creates conditions for therapy escalation and prolonged hospitalization, highlighting the need for correct and effective CDI management in these patients. Here, common risk factors associated with CDI in patients with CRC are discussed. In addition, different available techniques for the prevention, detection, and treatment of CDI with the lowest impact on gut microbiota diversity are summarized. This review aims to improve the understanding of the interplay between CDI and CRC and provide new insights into restoring and maintaining gut microbiota balance during CDI management in patients with CRC.</p>","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"44"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12167592/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144293635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gut PathogensPub Date : 2025-06-11DOI: 10.1186/s13099-025-00716-1
Oyekunle John Oladosu, Henry Reyer, Nares Trakooljul, Solvig Görs, Cornelia C Metges, Gürbüz Daş
{"title":"Tissue-specific transcriptomic adaptation in three strains of chickens during coinfections with parasites.","authors":"Oyekunle John Oladosu, Henry Reyer, Nares Trakooljul, Solvig Görs, Cornelia C Metges, Gürbüz Daş","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00716-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00716-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The widespread adoption of non-caged production systems contributes to the pathogenesis of coinfections with gastrointestinal nematodes and Histomonas meleagridis, triggering local and systemic immune and metabolic responses in chickens. This study investigated transcriptomic adaptation of tissues two weeks after experimental coinfections with Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, and H. meleagridis in Lohmann Brown (LB), Lohmann Dual (LD), and Ross-308 (R) male chickens, which differ in growth rates (R > LD > LB).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>RNA sequencing of the jejunum, caecum, and liver tissues revealed tissue-specific, strain-dependent transcriptional responses. Coinfection was confirmed during necropsy, and Ascaris-specific antibodies as well as alpha-1-acid glycoprotein were significantly higher in infected birds (p < 0.01). The caecum exhibited the highest unique differentially expressed genes, DEGs (n = 4,094), corresponding to significant activation of complex immune pathways and inhibition of metabolic pathways (p < 0.01). Jejunum DEGs (n = 760) primarily related to muscle contraction, collagen metabolism notably in LB and LD strains. The liver displayed fewer unique DEGs (n = 266) but prominently activated immune responses, especially in R chickens.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In general, slower-performing strains effectively initiated responses favouring worm expulsion and tissue repair in the jejunum, whereas high-performing strains predominantly showed inflammatory responses in the caecum and liver. These findings highlight tissue-specific adaptations underlying strain-dependent tolerance to coinfections with mixed parasites.</p>","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12160381/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144274648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the role of intestinal pathogenic bacteria in metronidazole-induced bone loss: focus on Klebsiella variicola.","authors":"Xia Chen, Hongming Li, Guang Wang, Zhenxing Wang, Yan Lv, Hui Xie, Sheng Zhu","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00713-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00713-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antibiotic use is known to contribute to the development of osteoporosis, although the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. Metronidazole (MET), a commonly prescribed antibiotic for treating anaerobic infections, has been linked to alterations in the gut microbiota (GM), which in turn are associated with various adverse side effects in the host. Recent studies have shown that the GM plays a key role in regulating bone homeostasis, though the underlying mechanisms remain under investigation. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that MET promotes inflammatory osteoporosis through gut dysbiosis, with Klebsiella variicola (K. variicola) identified as a major pathogen influencing bone metabolism. The pro-inflammatory extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by K. variicola induce enhanced inflammatory responses and osteoclastic differentiation in both bone macrophages and bone tissue. Notably, the use of antibiotics that target K. variicola effectively mitigates MET-induced bone loss in vivo. This study expands our understanding of the mechanisms underlying antibiotic-induced bone loss and underscores the significant role of the pathogenic bacterium K. variicola in the development of osteoporosis, providing new avenues for future research on the microbiota-gut-bone axis in bone-related diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12144832/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144247487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unveiling the hidden threat: prevalence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and other intestinal parasitic infections among organ transplant recipients in Southern Iran.","authors":"Mohammad Hossein Motazedian, Leila Morabi, Shahrokh Ezzatzadegan Jahromi, Mojtaba Shafiekhani, Saeed Shahabi, Hamed Nikoupour Dailami, Siavash Gholami, Bahador Sarkari","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00714-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00714-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients who are on immunosuppressive therapy to prevent graft rejection, are at an increased risk of acquiring, disseminating, or experiencing recurrence parasitic infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study aimed to identify the types and prevalence of parasitic diseases among transplant patients at a comprehensive transplant center in Fars Province, southern Iran. The subjects of the study were 150 organ transplant recipients (kidney, liver, intestine, simultaneous pancreas and kidney [SPK]) who were at least two months post-transplantation. Stool samples were collected from each participant, and demographics along with clinical features were recorded. The stool samples underwent parasitological examination, including direct examination, zinc sulfate flotation, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation, trichrome, and acid-fast staining to detect protozoan and helminthic infections. Samples positive for Blastocystis sp., as well as all diarrheal samples suspected of having microsporidia or intestinal coccidia, were further investigated using molecular methods. Sequencing was performed on the PCR products obtained from 10 Blastocystis samples. The resulting sequences were submitted to the Blastocystis 18 S database for GenBank sequence queries.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the participants was 46.24 (± 15.13), ranging from 18 to 85 years. Among the 150 subjects, 96 (64%) were male and 54 (36%) were female. The majority had undergone kidney transplantation (52.66%), followed by liver transplantation (46%). The participants resided in various provinces of Iran, with the majority (61.33%) living in Fars province. Overall, 63 (42%) individuals were found to be infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite. Blastocystis sp., the most commonly detected parasite, was detected in 58 (38.66%) cases, Entamoeba coli and Iodamoeba butchlii were each detected in 2 (1.33%) cases, while Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified in 1 (0.66%) case. No helminth infections were detected in any of the subjects. Sequencing of Blastocystis sp. revealed subtype 3 (ST3).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights a high prevalence of intestinal protozoa, particularly Blastocystis sp., among transplant recipients in southern Iran. The detection of E. bieneusi underscores the critical need for greater awareness of these parasitic agents, especially in cases presenting with diarrhea.</p>","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12144730/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144247489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The gut-lung axis and microbiome dysbiosis in non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections: immune mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic frontiers.","authors":"Fangfang Zhu, Hao Ying, Seyed Davar Siadat, Abolfazl Fateh","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00718-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00718-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging pathogens of global concern, particularly in regions with declining tuberculosis rates. This review synthesizes current evidence on the epidemiology, immune pathogenesis, and microbiome interactions underlying NTM infections. The rising incidence of NTM is driven by environmental factors, immunocompromised populations, and advanced diagnostics. Clinically, NTM manifests as pulmonary, lymphatic, skin/soft tissue, or disseminated disease, with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and M. abscessus being predominant pathogens. Host immunity, particularly Th1 responses mediated by IL-12/IFN-γ and TLR2 signaling, is critical for controlling NTM, while dysregulated immunity (e.g., elevated Th2 cytokines, PD-1/IL-10 pathways) exacerbates susceptibility. Emerging research highlights the gut-lung axis as a pivotal mediator of disease, where microbiome dysbiosis-marked by reduced Prevotella and Bifidobacterium-impairs systemic immunity and promotes NTM progression. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbial metabolites like inosine modulate macrophage and T-cell responses, offering therapeutic potential. Studies reveal distinct airway microbiome signatures in NTM patients, characterized by enriched Streptococcus and Prevotella, and reduced diversity linked to worse outcomes. Despite advances, treatment remains challenging due to biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and relapse rates. This review underscores the need for microbiome-targeted therapies, personalized medicine, and longitudinal studies to unravel causal relationships between microbial ecology and NTM pathogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12144820/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144247488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in children under 64 months in Thimphu, Bhutan, and introducing the new in-house immunochromatography test kit: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Passang Lhamo Sherpa, Takashi Matsumoto, Kinley Tshering, Birendra Pradhan, Junko Akada, Yoshio Yamaoka","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00715-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00715-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a lifelong infection, often acquired in childhood and persisting throughout life, that can lead to serious gastric diseases, including gastric cancer in adults. While asymptomatic in most children, it may cause extraintestinal manifestations affecting growth, necessitating distinct pediatric management strategies-particularly in countries with a high risk of gastric cancer. Accurate diagnosis is critical in high-risk populations. The stool antigen test is a reliable, non-invasive method for young children. Despite Bhutan's high H. pylori burden, diagnostic tools remain scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of H. pylori infection in Bhutanese children and validate a new in-house immunochromatography test (the A-ICT) kits.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among children under 64 months of age at three immunization clinics in Thimphu. H. pylori antigen in stool was detected using an ICT kit. After obtaining informed consent, parents completed questionnaires. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.2 and R version 4.4.1.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 226 children (mean age 33.28 months) participated in the study. The A-ICT kit showed high concordance with the commercial kit (Kappa 0.84 [95% CI: 0.78-0.89]) and excellent sensitivity (0.96) and specificity (0.95). The prevalence of H. pylori was 19.54% (95% CI:14.95-24.83). Risk factors included increasing age, having two or more siblings, and fathers who were farmers/wagers, and who worked in government/private sector. Children who were fed with or who ate using a spoon had a significantly lower risk of H. pylori infection than those who were fed or ate with fingers (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The A-ICT kit demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and specificity. Improvements in hygiene and sanitation related to child feeding practices are essential. Awareness programs should target large families and individuals employed in the formal sector, including both household and workplace settings. The validation of the A-ICT is a significant step toward a gastric cancer prevention program that facilitates early diagnosis and H. pylori eradication. The test kit is highly recommended for H. pylori screening and the confirmation of eradication post-treatment given its accuracy, rapidity, and simplicity in execution.</p>","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139328/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144225269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gut PathogensPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1186/s13099-025-00696-2
Md Shahjalal Sagor, Tarequl Islam, Noshin Tabassum Tamanna, Md Kamrul Islam Bappy, Danishuddin, Md Azizul Haque, Maximilian Lackner
{"title":"The functional landscape of the appendix microbiome under conditions of health and disease.","authors":"Md Shahjalal Sagor, Tarequl Islam, Noshin Tabassum Tamanna, Md Kamrul Islam Bappy, Danishuddin, Md Azizul Haque, Maximilian Lackner","doi":"10.1186/s13099-025-00696-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13099-025-00696-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traditionally regarded as a vestigial organ, the appendix is now being reevaluated for its significant function in health and nutrition of humans. Serving as a \"safe house\" for beneficial, desired gut bacteria, the appendix is protected by resilient biofilms that create a secure environment. This makes the appendix a\"basin\" for gut microbiota (GM), replenishing the microbial population following disruptions from infections, antibiotic use, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Beyond simply hosting bacteria, the appendix has an active role in functions of the immune system. Disruption of the Appendix Microbiome (AM), such as through appendectomy, was found to result in lowered diversity of gut microorganisms and an increased risk of various diseases. The potential therapeutic applications of the AM are a particularly promising area of research. The appendix's unique microbial environment and its impact on immunity open new avenues for treatments. These include modulating GM to improve cancer treatment outcomes, mitigating IBD, regulating metabolic pathways in obesity and diabetes, influencing neurotransmitter production in neurological disorders, and addressing cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. This review highlights the appendix's transformation from a misunderstood organ to a critical component of gut health and immunity. It explores the function of the human appendix as a resilient reservoir for desired microorganisms, and its role in disease progression. Furthermore, it examines the potential therapeutic applications of AM, presenting exciting opportunities for future research and treatment innovations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12833,"journal":{"name":"Gut Pathogens","volume":"17 1","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12128343/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}