Cross-feeding interactions between human gut commensals belonging to the Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium genera when grown on dietary glycans

Abstract

Elements of the human gut microbiota metabolise many host- and diet-derived, non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs). Intestinal fermentation of NDCs salvages energy and resources for the host and generates beneficial metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids, which contribute to host health. The development of functional NDCs that support the growth and/or metabolic activity of specific beneficial gut bacteria, is desirable, but dependent on an in-depth understanding of the pathways of carbohydrate fermentation. The purpose of this review is to provide an appraisal of what is known about the roles of, and interactions between, Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium as key members involved in NDC utilisation. Bacteroides is considered an important primary degrader of complex NDCs, thereby generating oligosaccharides, which in turn can be fermented by secondary degraders. In this review, we will therefore focus on Bacteroides as an NDC-degrading specialist and Bifidobacterium as an important and purported probiotic representative of secondary degraders. We will describe cross-feeding interactions between members of these two genera. We note that there are limited studies exploring the interactions between Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, specifically concerning β-glucan and arabinoxylan metabolism. This review therefore summarises the roles of these organisms in the breakdown of dietary fibre and the molecular mechanisms and interactions involved. Finally, it also highlights the need for further research into the phenomenon of cross-feeding between these organisms for an improved understanding of these cross-feeding mechanisms to guide the rational development of prebiotics to support host health or to prevent or combat disease associated with microbial dysbiosis.

The Development of Gut Microbiota and Its Changes Following C. jejuni Infection in Broilers

“…Unexpected increases in certain bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium , following C. jejuni colonization have been reported [ 106 ]. Bifidobacterium cross-feeding with other bacteria stimulates the production of butyrate [ 114 ], which is detrimental to C. jejuni’s presence [ 115 ]. However, at the same time, Bifidobacterium can produce succinate, a carboxylic acid utilized by Campylobacter jejuni , when found in environments with low O 2 levels (lower than 5%) [ 116 ].…”

Dynamic response of different types of gut microbiota to fructooligosaccharides and inulin

“…29 Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium have a cross-feeding relationship in the utilization of certain carbohydrates. 30 Therefore, the baseline ratio of intestinal Bacteroides to Bifidobacterium is closely related to prebiotic utilization, and there may be a huge difference in the ability of prebiotics to be utilized by a predominantly Bacteroides or predominantly Bifidobacterium composition of the microbiota.…”

“…Food & Function feeding relationship in the utilization of certain carbohydrates. 30 Therefore, the baseline ratio of intestinal Bacteroides to Bifidobacterium is closely related to prebiotic utilization, and there may be a huge difference in the ability of prebiotics to be utilized by a predominantly Bacteroides or predominantly Bifidobacterium composition of the microbiota. The metabolic pool of the microbial community can utilize two distinct chemical types of prebiotics while harboring a homogeneous population of bacteria proficient in carbohydrate degradation.…”

Antibiotics promote intestinal growth of carbapenem-resistantEnterobacteriaceaeby enriching nutrients and depleting microbial metabolites

“…These simple compounds can support the growth of secondary degraders. Bacteroides are important primary degraders (but can also degrade simple compounds) and Bifidobacterium are important secondary degraders in the gut 33 . Therefore, this supports the observation that decreases in the abundance of these bacteria following antibiotics results in an enrichment of simple nutrients.…”