Fecal Fungal Microbiota (Mycobiome) Study as a Potential Tool for Precision Medicine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There is growing evidence of the role of fungal microbiota in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fungi can exert direct pro-inflammatory effects or modify the bacterial composition via interkingdom interactions. Although several studies have demonstrated alterations in the fecal fungal microbiota composition in IBD, there is a wide variation in the mycobiome in different populations, with no definite pattern that can define the mycobiome in IBD having yet been identified. Recent work has suggested that characterizing the fecal fungal composition may influence therapeutic decisions and help to predict outcomes in a subset of IBD patients. In this study, we review the current literature on the emerging role of the fecal mycobiome as a potential tool for precision medicine in IBD. (Gut Liver, Published online June 12, 2023)

Automated summary

There is increasing evidence of the role of fungal microbiota in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fungi can directly promote inflammation or influence bacterial composition through interactions. While studies have shown changes in the fecal fungal microbiota in IBD, there is no clear pattern yet identified. Recent research suggests that characterizing the fecal fungal composition may have therapeutic implications and predict outcomes in certain IBD patients. This review examines the current literature on the potential role of the fecal mycobiome as a tool for precision medicine in IBD. (Gut Liver, Published online June 12, 2023)