Intestinal bacteria are important for human health as they help digest food and regulate immune function. Thus, in recent years, it has become clear that gut microbiota dysbiosis, an imbalance in types and composition of intestinal bacteria, is associated with digestive disorders and other diseases. However, the mechanism by which bacteria interact in the intestine to maintain the microbiota balance remains unclear.

A research group led by Associate Professor Koji Hosomi at Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Veterinary Science studied two bacteria: Fusobacterium varium (F. varium), an oral and intestinal bacterium linked to inflammation and colon cancer, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii), an intestinal bacterium that produces butyrate, a beneficial compound for health. The research team used stool samples from 236 participants. The team then analyzed the interactions between these bacteria using next generation sequencing (NGS) and mass spectrometry.

The results revealed that F. prausnitzii inhibits the growth of F. varium. This effect is due to the increased acidity and amount of β-hydroxybutyric acid caused by F. prausnitzii. In contrast, F. varium promotes the growth of F. prausnitzii. This interaction is likely to occur through direct contact between these bacteria.

“Going forward, further clarification of the relationships between these bacteria could provide new insights into medical and health methods for improving the intestinal environment and find new methods for preventing or improving intestinal disorders and diseases. Further understanding these bacteria could pioneer the development of foods and supplements that enhance the power of bacteria to support gut health,” stated Professor Hosomi.

The study was published in Microbiome.

Competing interests