High Schistosoma mansoni infection intensity is associated with distinct gut microbiota and low levels of systemic cytokines in children along the Albert-Nile, Northern Uganda

Schistosomiasis is a chronic neglected disease that affects millions of people in sub–Saharan Africa, with a range of impacts on both host immune responses and the gut microbiome. The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in the host’s nutrition, metabolism, protection against pathogens, and modulation of host immunity. Understanding the role of the gut microbiome in pathophysiology of Schistosoma mansoni infection and how it influences host immune response, is essential for developing a more comprehensive view of disease progression and potential therapeutic strategies. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 140 faecal samples collected from school children aged 10-15years residing in the schistosomiasis endemic hot spots of the Albert-Nile, Pakwach district, Northern Uganda. The samples were categorised by S. mansoni infection intensity based on the Kato Katz test. Faecal DNA was isolated, and microbiota composition was determined by 16 S rRNA V3-V4 sequencing. The results show alterations in the gut microbiota of S. mansoni infected children with distinct genera that discriminate the high and low infection intensity that could be potentially used as biomarkers.