Human gut microbiota composition associated with international travels

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether long stays in non-European countries influence the composition, diversity, and dynamics of gut microbiota, considering the potential impact of travelling, close contact with new people, and consumption of water and food.

Methods: Two prospective cohorts were analyzed: (i) A longitudinal cohort comprising long-term travellers who provided fecal samples before and after their travels. (ii) A cohort consisting of long-term travellers and recently arrived migrants from non-European countries, which was compared with non-traveller controls. Each participant self-collected fecal samples and provided demographic and epidemiological data. Microbiota was characterized through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results: The longitudinal cohort comprised 17 subjects. A trend toward higher bacterial diversity was observed after travelling (Shannon index 3.12vs3.26). When comparing 84 travellers/migrants with 97 non-travellers, a confirmed association of higher diversity levels with travelling was observed (Phylogenetic diversity: 22.1vs20.9). Specific genera enriched in travellers' gut microbiota were identified, including Escherichia/Shigella, Bacteroides, and Parabacteroides. The analysis revealed three major clusters with profound differences in their bacterial composition, which exhibited differential distribution between travellers and non-travellers (Adonis P < 0.001; R2 = 30.6 %). Two clusters were more frequently observed in travellers: The first cluster, characterized by dominance of Escherichia/Shigella, exhibited the lowest levels of richness and diversity. The second cluster, dominated by Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides, displayed the highest richness and diversity patterns.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the diverse impact of international travel on gut microbiota composition and underscore the importance of considering microbiota resilience and diversity in understanding the health implications.