A new study by researchers at the University of Cambridge has found that the composition of the gut microbiome helps predict how likely we are to succumb to a potentially life-threatening infection with bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family. The findings were published in the journal “Nature Microbiology”. 

The researchers analyzed the composition of the gut microbiome of more than 12,000 people from 45 countries. Using artificial intelligence and advanced computational methods, they created a microbiome profile (a specific signature) that can predict whether or not a person’s gut is susceptible to colonization by Enterobacteriaceae. The results proved to be consistent for different health states and different geographic locations. 

During the study, the team identified 135 species of gut bacteria that are typically found in the intestines of Enterobacteriaceae-free individuals and are most likely to protect against infection. Among the most important turned out to be bacteria of the Faecalibacterium genus, which break down dietary fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids – compounds that promote gut health and protect against Enterobacteriaceae infections. 

According to the authors, the results of the study showed that consuming more fiber helps promote the growth of “good” bacteria and reduce “bad” bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of disease. However, this only applies to fiber taken with the diet. Probiotics in tablets do not have a similar effect; their use is much less likely to prevent infections.