Differential Composition and Structure of the Microbiota from Active and Inactive Stages of HLA-B27-associated Uveitis by Paired Fecal Metagenomes

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the diversities and abundances of bacterial taxa in the microbiome of patients with HLA B27-positive acute anterior uveitis (AAU) in the active and inactive phases.

Methods: An observational descriptive prospective and comparative study was conducted in ten HLA-B27-positive AAU patients (44.6 ± 13.4 years). The microbiome of the stool samples obtained in the active and inactive stages was analyzed by sequencing the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results: The differences in the bacteria profile between active and inactive stages in each individual were confirmed (p < 0.0001). Ten OTUs were found exclusively in the active phase of 90% of the individuals, suggesting a proinflammatory association. Blautia OUT_4 and Faecalibacterium OUT_2 abundances showed a direct relationship between abundance and severity of ocular inflammation. Two OTUs were exclusive of the inactive stage, suggesting an anti-inflammatory role.

Conclusion: The metagenomic profile of the fecal microbiota differs in the acute phase of the AAU compared to when the inflammation subsides, despite being the same individual and a short time-lapse. AAU is a fertile field for studying the connection between subtle rapid changes in microbiota and their systemic consequences.

Keywords: 16S sequencing; acute anterior uveitis; microbiome.