Role of Gut Microbiome in Susceptibility to Infection: A Study from Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Introduction: The gut microbiome is a key regulator of immune function and host defense. Dysbiosis of gut microbial communities has been associated with impaired immune responses and increased susceptibility to infections. This study aimed to assess the relationship between gut microbiome composition and susceptibility to infection.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 adults, comprising 50 infection-susceptible participants and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Individuals with recent antibiotic or probiotic use were excluded. Stool samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3–V4 regions). Microbial diversity was assessed using Shannon, Simpson, and Chao1 indices, and phylum-level composition was compared between groups.

Results: Infection-susceptible participants showed significantly reduced gut microbial diversity compared with controls (p < 0.001). A dysbiotic microbial profile was observed, characterized by reduced Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and increased Proteobacteria (p < 0.05). Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion: Reduced gut microbial diversity and altered microbial composition were significantly associated with susceptibility to infection. These findings highlight the gut microbiome’s role in host immune defense and suggest a potential role for microbiome profiling in infection risk assessment.

How to cite this article:
Khangwal H, Kolanu R, Patel Z H, Krishna G S M, Kumari N, Kaur S. Role of gut microbiome in susceptibility to infection: A study from tertiary care centre. J Commun Dis. 2026;58(1):120-125.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202616