Gut Dysbiosis and Intestinal Inflammation in Indian Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Case-Control Study

Background and Objective: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) remains a critical global health crisis, significantly driving pediatric illness and death. While the gut microbiome is known to play a role in SAM’s progression, the specific mechanisms are not yet fully defined. This study utilized 16S-rRNA sequencing (targeting the V3-V4 regions) to evaluate the gut microbial profiles of 115 Indian children (52 with SAM and 63 healthy controls) between 6 and 59 months old. Methodology and Results: Researchers examined the relationship between gut health, inflammatory markers, fecal sIgA levels, clinical data, and nutritional habits. Alpha diversity analysis, specifically the ChaoI index, demonstrated a significant reduction in microbial richness within the SAM cohort (p < 0.001). Taxonomic shifts were evident: beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Blautia, and Ruminococcus gnavus were depleted, while opportunistic pathogens including Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Turicibacter proliferated. Furthermore, SAM patients exhibited significantly higher systemic inflammation and lower fecal sIgA levels, indicating a weakened mucosal immune system. Notably, male children appeared more susceptible to these immune and inflammatory disturbances. Conclusion: These results underscore that gut dysbiosis is a hallmark of pediatric SAM. Future therapeutic strategies should focus on restoring these specific microbial populations and their metabolic functions to improve recovery outcomes.