The gut microbiome comprises trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that are living within the intestinal tract of humans and vertebrate animals.

These bacteria play an important role in the complete well-being of the body. The roles include boosting immunity and aiding the digestion of food.

The gut microbiome consists of both helpful organisms and hurtful organisms. Gut microbiomes are disrupted by factors such as stress, diet, xenobiotics, pathogens, genetics and bad eating habits. These factors lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. As a result of imbalance, the gut microbiome can harm the body. Alteration of the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) contributes to the development of stroke risk factors such as systemic inflammation, cardiometabolic diseases, and atherosclerosis.

Researchers from the Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Laboratory have linked specific bacteria in the gut microbiome to both stroke severity and recovery. Recently, a study found that certain bacteria in the gut microbiome are linked to more severe stroke and worse post-stroke recovery (Medical News Today, 2022).

According to BioMed Central, several types of bacteria are associated with an increased risk for ischaemic stroke. Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, Negativibacillus and Lentisphaeria are associated with a more severe stroke in the acute phase. Meanwhile, Acidaminococcus leads to poor post-stroke recovery.

Characteristics of the gut microbiota in patients with acute ischaemic stroke can be assessed by evaluating the faecal gut microbiota composition and faecal organic acid concentration.

Visit MedBioTechLab for appropriate tests to detect strokes.

References:

bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com

www.medicalnewstoday.com

www.nature.com