Gut microbiome signatures associated with self-reported allergic symptoms among Finnish adults
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Background
Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome influences nasal and ocular allergic inflammation through gut-mucosal immune interactions. Yet, its association with Allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic eye symptoms (AES) remains incompletely understood in large population-based cohorts.
Objective
To examine associations between the gut microbiome and self-reported AR and AES in Finnish adults.
Methods
Shallow metagenomic sequencing was performed on stool samples from a population-based cohort (FINRISK02; n = 7,231). Microbial taxonomic and functional profiles were compared between individuals with AR (n = 1,950), AES (n = 1,554), combined allergies (AR and/or AES; n = 2,305), and controls without reported symptoms (n = 3,175).
Results
Allergic groups exhibited lower microbial richness and phylogenetic diversity than controls. Shared microbial and functional signatures were observed across AR and AES, consistent with their high co-occurrence (N = 1,199). Compared with controls, allergic groups showed enrichment of 17 bacterial species, predominantly from the Clostridia class, including taxa previously associated with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and atopic dermatitis. Allergic individuals also exhibited enrichment of pathways related to mucosal carbohydrate processing, shikimate metabolism, histidine turnover, and broader amino acid metabolism. Concurrent enrichment of histidine biosynthesis and degradation suggested altered microbial histidine metabolism.
Conclusions
Adult allergic symptoms are associated with gut microbiome taxonomic and functional alterations linked to mucosal barrier function and immune-related metabolism, supporting a shared gut-mucosal immune axis across allergic phenotypes.
Clinical Implication
Shared microbial signatures across AR and AES support the concept of a common gut-mucosal immune axis underlying allergic manifestations in adults.
Capsule Summary
The large population-based study revealed that allergic symptoms in adults are associated with lower richness and phylogenetic diversity of gut microbiome together with taxonomic and functional alterations
