Colitis Risk Lowered in Mice by Replacing Missing Gut Microbes in Early Development
June 9, 2021
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease that affects the colon and rectum. It is believed that genetic factors, host immune system disorders, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of UC. Previous studies have linked missing microbes to ulcerative colitis. These microbes make metabolites that help keep the gut healthy. Now a new study by researchers at the University of Chicago (UChicago) demonstrates that restoring a single microbial species,
Bacteroides sp. CL1-UC (Bc), to the gut microbiome at a key developmental timepoint can prevent antibiotic-induced colitis in a mouse model of the condition.