Researchers from Ithaca, N.Y.-based Cornell University studied gut microbiome in mice after discovering healthy gut flora affected infection rates in joint replacement patients.
Researchers studied immune response in mice who were outfitted with “tiny artificial knees.” In normal mice with healthy gut microbiota, immune system marker levels rise to combat infection. In mice with unhealthy microbiomes the markers did not increase, which promoted infection probability.
Researchers said the results suggested that “mice with unhealthy microbiomes may have compromised immune systems.” Researchers will conduct future research to see if microbiome-based therapies could help patients prepare their guts before surgery.
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