The gut microbiome, gut microbiota, or intestinal flora are all terms used to refer to the community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the human intestine. It promotes wellness in the majority of people. A strong immune system, improved metabolism, a healthy brain and heart, among other things, are all indicators of a healthy gut.
One of the bacteria in almost everyone’s gut microbiota, Escherichia coli produces specific vitamins, among other critical tasks in the microbiota.
The virulence of these bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics in hospitalized patients are the subject of an article by Amaral that was first published in the journal Pathogens.
“Because patients who stay in hospitals for an extended period of time are more likely to undergo various procedures, such as the insertion of a urine catheter or venous access, our study concentrated on hospitalized patients. Although these procedures are carried out to ensure life support, they could make it easier for bacteria to enter the body and lead to an infection “Amaral clarified.
She completed part of her research at the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and New York University Medical School before receiving her PhD in microbiology from EPM-UNIFESP in 1988.The article details the outcomes of a larger investigation into the virulence and drug resistance of E. coli strains linked to urinary tract infections that was headed by Amaral and included 12 co-authors who are academics and graduate students. Three FAPESP projects (18/17353-7, 19/21685-8, and 17/14821-7) provided funding for the study.
Analyzing the diversity and drug resistance of pathogenic E. coli strains isolated from inpatients’ gut microbiota and the frequency of endogenous infection (caused by bacteria from the patient’s own microbiota) were the main objectives of this portion of the study, which was detailed in José Francisco Santos Neto’s master’s dissertation.
E. coli strains isolated from the gut microbiota of animals were first studied by the UNIFESP group for genetic diversity and drug resistance.
