Intestinal Pathogens Change the Microbiome, Cause E. Coli To “Bloom”

Shannon D. Manning, Ph.D., M.P.H. Dept. of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Michigan State University E. Lansing, MI 48824

Dr. Manning

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Shannon D. Manning, Ph.D., M.P.H
.
Dept. of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Michigan State University
E. Lansing, MI 48824

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Manning: Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of five and is commonly caused by many different bacterial pathogens.

We have observed that infection with four different bacterial pathogens (Salmonella, Shigella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, and Campylobacter) all induce the proliferation of a population of microbes, namely Escherichia, which are already present in the gut of healthy individuals.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Manning: The overgrowth or “bloom” in this particular microbial population of Escherichia contributes to more severe disease because it offsets the balance of good/beneficial microbes and may take patients longer to recover. The level of proliferation likely varies across people and may be linked to the variation in disease severity.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Manning: Research on the development of new treatments is warranted.  Such treatments could focus on boosting the beneficial microbial populations of the gut or preventing the overgrowth of Escherichia.  These treatments would be particularly helpful for individuals (e.g., the elderly, young children) who are most at risk of developing serious long-term complications.

Citation:

Singh, P., Teal, T. K., Marsh, T. L., Tiedje, J. M., Mosci, R., Jernigan, K., … Manning, S. D. (2015). Intestinal microbial communities associated with acute enteric infections and disease recovery. Microbiome, 3, 45. http://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-015-0109-2

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Shannon D. Manning, Ph.D (2015). Intestinal Pathogens Change Microbiome and Cause E. Coli To “Bloom” 

Last Updated on November 11, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD