Eggerthella lenta
Eggerthella Lenta: The Gut Microbe Linked to Health and Disease
Description
Eggerthella lenta is a Gram-negative, non-motile, anaerobic bacterium that colonizes the human gastrointestinal tract. It is one of the predominant species within the Bacteroidetes phylum, which plays a vital role in nutrient metabolism, immune function, and protection against pathogens.
E. lenta is a versatile bacterium that can utilize a wide range of substrates, including complex carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids. It produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, which serve as an energy source for colon cells and provide anti-inflammatory effects.
Associated Diseases
Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiome, has been linked to various diseases. E. lenta has been implicated in both beneficial and adverse health outcomes:
Beneficial Effects:
- E. lenta supplementation has been shown to improve metabolic health, enhance immune function, and protect against colitis.
- Reduced levels of E. lenta have been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and autism spectrum disorder.
Adverse Effects:
- High levels of E. lenta have been linked to colorectal cancer and sepsis.
- Certain strains of E. lenta may produce virulence factors that contribute to disease progression.
Did you Know ?
- The prevalence of E. lenta in the human gut varies greatly among individuals and populations. Studies have reported its presence in 20-80% of healthy adults.
- In patients with Crohn‘s disease, the abundance of E. lenta is significantly decreased, while in patients with colorectal cancer, it is elevated.
