Gut bacteria can spread rapidly across continents, study suggests

The short version

• A University of Vienna study found that certain gut bacterial populations spread rapidly across people and continents.[ScienceDaily]
• Researchers identified hidden bacterial groups linked to aging, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer.[ScienceDaily]
• The findings indicate that well-adapted gut bacteria are dynamic enough to occupy global ecological niches.[ScienceDaily]

Key facts

• University of Vienna researchers reported that certain gut bacterial populations spread quickly between people and across continents.[ScienceDaily]
• The research revealed distinct bacterial groups associated with aging, inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.[ScienceDaily]
• Scientists evaluated bacterial isolates and metagenomic data using an analytical method termed reverse ecology.[ScienceDaily]
• Lead researcher Martin F. Polz noted that well-adapted strains can spread across borders and colonize new ecological niches.[ScienceDaily]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Your gut microbiome may be more contagious than scientists thoughtScienceDaily - Science