Scanning electron micrograph of Candida albicans yeast (two large cells) and Enterococcus faecium bacteria (smaller spherical cells) grown from the stool of a patient in an intensive care unit.MBIO/UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, ALEXANDER ZABORIN
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a frequent source of blood-disseminated septic infections, which are an increasing problem and common cause of death among already severely ill patients who spend time in intensive care units (ICUs). Sequence analyses of stool samples from ICU patients at University of Chicago hospitals revealed profound disruptions of gut microflora compared to healthy patients. In a study published today (September 23) in mBio, researchers also fed ICU patients’ “ultra-low-diversity” gut microbes to C. elegans roundworms. These experiments yielded insights into the origins of the microbes’ pathogenic behavior and potential paths to mitigate it.
Although a well-functioning human intestine teems with a variety of microbial life, serious illness, long-term intravenous feeding, and multiple rounds of antibiotics wipe out much of this diversity. ...
