My postdoctoral research explored the dynamics between colonizing and infectious MDRO and commensal bacteria within the gut and oral microbiome. One main focus has been the study of the oral and gut microbiomes and mycobiomes in immunocompromised hosts, primarily liver transplant recipients and people living with HIV. Through 16S rRNA, ITS, and metagenomic sequencing, we linked clinically relevant patient outcomes with changes in the gut or oral micro- and myco-bial structure and diversity. We also identified specific microbiome characteristics which enable colonization and infection by or clearance of MDRO, a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients.
Gut and Oral Microbiome in Immuno-compromised Hosts
Medini K. Annavajhala, Ph.D.
My research interests include multidrug-resistance in bacteria and relationships between pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms in human and environmental systems.
Publications
Intestinal Dysbiosis and Risk of Posttransplant Clostridioides difficile Infection in a Longitudinal Cohort of Liver Transplant Recipients
Identification of clinical and microbiome factors to contribute to the development of Clostridium difficile in a cohort of patients …
Oral Microbiome Alterations and SARS-CoV-2 Saliva Viral Load in Patients with COVID-19
Importance: Alterations to the saliva microbiome based on SARS-CoV-2 viral load indicate potential biologically relevant …
Associations between urinary 3-indoxyl sulfate, a gut microbiome-derived biomarker, and patient outcomes after intensive care unit admission
Highlights: (1) The normal gut microbiome is disrupted in patients who are critically ill. (2) 3-indoxyl sulfate is a gut bacteria …
Relationship of the Esophageal Microbiome and Tissue Gene Expression and Links to the Oral Microbiome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
The oral and esophageal microbiomes are closely related within individuals, and esophageal microbiome alterations correlate with tissue …
Subgingival microbiome and clinical periodontal status in an elderly cohort: The WHICAP ancillary study of oral health
Pertrubations in the subgingival microbiome in elderly individuals
Oral and gut microbial diversity and immune regulation in patients with HIV on antiretroviral therapy
Dysbiotic oral and gut microbiome in ART-treated PLWH with prevalent severe periodontitis
Colonizing multidrug-resistant bacteria and the longitudinal evolution of the intestinal microbiome after liver transplantation
In a large prospective cohort of liver transplantation (LT) recipients, we identify associations between colonization by …
Transfusional iron overload and intravenous iron infusions modify the mouse gut microbiota similarly to dietary iron
Clinical interventions affecting iron status may alter biologically relevant microbial metabolites in the murine gut microbiome.
Pathogen colonization of the gastrointestinal microbiome at intensive care unit admission and risk for subsequent death or infection
Enterococcus levels at ICU admission was associated with risk for death or all-cause infection
