Gut microbiome may influence response to Covid mRNA vaccines. This is highlighted by a study by the Karolinska Institutet, in Sweden, published in the journal npj Biofilms and Microbiomes. Research suggests that some bacteria in the gut may enhance the immune response to the vaccine, while others may weaken it.
The researchers collected stool samples from 68 immunocompromised people living with HIV and 75 healthy individuals before the first dose of the mRNA Covid vaccine.
They analyzed the composition of the microbiome using a technique called 16S rRNA sequencing, which identifies the types and relative abundance of bacteria in the samples. They also measured the levels of antibodies and immune cells produced after vaccination. The results showed that the initial composition of the intestinal microbiome could predict the immune response to the vaccine in both groups. The researchers found that a less diverse gut microbiome was associated with a stronger vaccine response.
They also identified specific bacteria linked to better or worse vaccine responses. For example, they found that Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Lachnospira were associated with higher antibody and immune cell levels, while Cloacibacillus was associated with lower antibody levels.
According to scholars, the research highlights the significant role of the intestinal microbiome in the effectiveness of mRNA Covid vaccines. The findings could lead to the development of microbiota-focused treatments to improve vaccine responses, especially in groups that may have weaker responses, such as older adults or immunocompromised individuals. Potential strategies could include changing your diet or taking probiotics to improve your gut microbiome and immunity.
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