The digestive system has a microbiome housing countless microorganisms that act as a line of defense against harmful viruses and pathogens and aids digestion. So, how is it that Salmonella bacterium are able to slip past the defenses that the gut has?
The sneaky trick that Salmonella uses is one that affects the nutrient balance within the gut. By causing inflammation when it enters, normal absorption of amino acids from food is disrupted and creates an imbalance of nutrients. This imbalance then sustains the growth of the Salmonella bacterium within the large intestine.
Researchers at the University of California analyzed change in chemical composition within the guts of mice as a result of being infected with Salmonella. By tracking the absorption rates of amino acids, they were able to find that certain amino acids had lower absorption rates in mice affected by Salmonella and were able to track virulence factors that broke down those same amino acids for the benefit of Salmonella.
This study has the potential to inspire future treatment methods, namely probiotic health or dietary plans that can aid the body's natural defenses against harm.
