Gut microbiota influences Plasmodium falciparum malaria susceptibility

Background

The gut microbiota has recently been associated with malaria susceptibility/resistance in animal models and humans. This study aimed to assess its influence on malaria attack and Plasmodium parasitemia in children living in a malaria-endemic area of Mali.

Methods

Healthy children were enrolled in a 16-month cohort study in Bandiagara. Their gut bacteria and fungi community structures were characterized via 16S and ITS metabarcoding at enrolment. Clinicians monitored malaria attacks. Asymptomatic Plasmodium carriage was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Of the 300 children, 107 (36 %) had at least one malaria attack, and 82 (27 %) had at least one episode of asymptomatic Plasmodium parasitemia. The gut bacterial community structure, but not the fungal community, was associated with susceptibility/resistance to both malaria attacks and asymptomatic P. falciparum parasitemia. Higher gut bacteria richness was independently associated with susceptibility to both asymptomatic parasitemia episodes and malaria attacks. 17 bacteria, and 7 fungi were associated with susceptibility to malaria attacks, and 8 bacteria, and 3 fungi were associated with resistance. 15 bacteria and 13 fungi were associated with susceptibility to asymptomatic Plasmodium parasitemia episodes, and 19 bacteria and 3 fungi were associated with resistance.

Conclusion

Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, which point the way to strategies aimed at reducing the risk of malaria by modulating gut microbiota components in at-risk populations.