Reduced Abundance of Indole-Propionic-Acid-Producing Gut Bacteria in Patients with ME/CFS

Wiebke Löhden provided a poster presentation outlining a research project investigating the reduced abundance of indole-3-propionic-acid-roducing gut bacteria in patients with ME/CFS. In order to investigate alterations in the gut microbiome in patients with ME/CFS, the study utilised stool metagenomic data analysis in combination with genome-scale-metabolic modeling of gut microbial metabolism. The results indicate that the gut microbial metabolism of patients is altered in comparison to healthy individuals, as illustrated by lowered α-diversity and decreased levels of amino acid auxotrophy abundances. This suggests fewer interactions between species in the form of amino acid cross-feeding, among other findings. All in all, various metabolites in the blood serum may serve as potential biological markers for the gut microbial contribution to host metabolism in ME/CFS.