Introduction: Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in the microbial communities of the intestine and has
been associated with numerous chronic diseases. Objectives: We aimed to compare gut dysbiosis within and across various disease states (Crohn's
disease [CD], colorectal cancer [CRC], irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], and type 2
diabetes mellitus [T2DM], and obesity). Materials and Methods: Assessing comparative studies which examined levels of bacterial phyla in cases and
controls. PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant studies, in
which human fecal samples were used to analyze microbial flora. Results: Twenty-one studies were included, which met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three
studies were included assessing IBS, which found a decrease in Bacteroidetes in the
IBS population, but inconsistent findings for other phyla. Six studies were included
assessing obesity, and no consistent patterns emerged. Five studies were included
examining T2DM, which found a consistent decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes
ratio in cases as compared to controls. No patterns were found for other phyla. Three
studies were included examining CD, and five examining CRC. Conclusions: No consistent patterns were found for either of these diseases. While some patterns
were found in bacterial phyla distribution, there were few commonalities, even in
same-system disorders. However, uncovering underlying dysbiosis patterns shows great
promise in furthering the understanding of disease pathogenesis and the potential
for new therapeutic and diagnostic interventions. Further systematic reviews and well-controlled
studies are warranted.
Key-words:
Diabetes - dysbiosis - gastrointestinal microbiome - gut dysbiosis - microbiota -
obesity