The Influence of Staphylococcus aureus on Gut Microbial Ecology in an In Vitro Continuous Culture Human Colonic Model System
2011

The Effect of Staphylococcus aureus on Gut Microbial Ecology

Sample size: 3 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sannasiddappa Thippeswamy H., Costabile Adele, Gibson Glenn R., Clarke Simon R.

Primary Institution: University of Reading

Hypothesis

How does S. aureus infection affect the gut microbiota in a human colonic model?

Conclusion

S. aureus infection alters the composition of the gut microbiota and decreases the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids.

Supporting Evidence

  • S. aureus infection led to a significant decrease in Bifidobacterium counts.
  • The concentration of butyric acid in the proximal colon was significantly decreased by S. aureus infection.
  • Total bacterial counts decreased significantly during the study but reverted back to normal levels at the end.

Takeaway

When S. aureus infects the gut, it can change the types of bacteria living there and reduce important substances that help keep us healthy.

Methodology

An in vitro three-stage continuous culture model of the human colon was used to study the effects of S. aureus on gut microbiota and SCFA production.

Limitations

The study was conducted in vitro, which may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.

Participant Demographics

Healthy human volunteers provided fecal samples for the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023227

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