Work

Distinct microbial signatures and their predictive value in recurrent acute pancreatitis: insights from 5-region 16S rRNA gene sequencing

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background The recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) poses significant clinical challenges, and the underlying microbial factors contributing to RAP remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify the microbial profiles associated with RAP and explore the potential microbial predictors for RAP. Methods Ninety patients were classified into non-recurrent acute pancreatitis (NRAP, n = 68) and RAP (n = 22) groups based on the number of pancreatitis episodes. Clinical characteristics were documented, and the microbial composition of serum samples was analyzed using 5-region (5R) 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Key microbial taxa and functional predictions were made. Additionally, a random forest model was used to assess the predictive value of microbial features for RAP. The impact of Staphylococcus hominis (S. hominis) on RAP was further evaluated in an experimental mouse model. Results Microbial analysis revealed specific taxa were differentially abundant between the groups. LefSE analysis highlighted significant microbial differences, with Paracoccus aminovorans, Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum and S. hominis being prominent in RAP. Functional predictions indicated enrichment of metabolic pathways in the RAP group. Random forest analysis identified key microbial taxa with an AUC value of 0.759 for predicting RAP. Experimental validation showed that S. hominis exacerbates pancreatic inflammation in mice. Conclusions This study identifies distinct clinical and microbial features associated with RAP, emphasizing the role of specific bacterial taxa in pancreatitis recurrence. The findings suggest that microbial profiling could enhance the diagnosis and management of RAP, paving the way for personalized therapeutic approaches.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1558983