Researchers led by the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa collected stool samples from about 1,800 women in Kenya, Ghana, Burkina Faso and South Africa. They used genetic sequencing to identify microorganisms and found more than 1,000 new bacterial species and over 40,000 new viruses in African gut microbiomes.
The study found a unique microbial signature linked to HIV and was the largest study of women living with HIV. Rural participants had richer, more diverse gut bacteria, while urban people often lacked a bacterium called Treponema, possibly because of lower-fibre diets and more antibiotic use. An expert warned that beneficial gut bacteria are disappearing and called for urgent nutritional interventions.
Difficult words
- microorganism — Very small living thing, like bacteria or virusmicroorganisms
- sequencing — Method to read DNA or genes in samplesgenetic sequencing
- microbiome — All microorganisms living in one part of the bodymicrobiomes
- bacterium — A single microscopic organism, a type of microbe
- antibiotic — Medicine that kills or stops bacteria growth
- fibre — Parts of plant foods that help digestion
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you live in a rural or urban area? How is the local food different?
- Do you eat high-fibre foods often? Name one high-fibre food you like.
- Why do you think good gut bacteria are important for health?
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