Abstract
BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have confirmed that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the progression of cirrhosis. However, the contribution of gut fungi in cirrhosis is often overlooked due to the relatively low abundance. METHODS: We employed 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, internal transcribed spacer sequencing, and untargeted metabolomics techniques to investigate the composition and interaction of gut bacteria, fungi, and metabolites in cirrhotic patients. RESULTS: Cirrhotic patients exhibited significant differences in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota and their metabolites in cirrhotic patients compared to healthy individuals. Increase in pathogenic microbial genera and a decrease in beneficial microbial genera including bacteria and fungi were observed. Various clinical indexes were closely connected with these increased metabolites, bacteria, fungi. Additionally, endoscopic treatment was found to impact the gut microbiota and metabolites in cirrhotic patients, although it did not significantly alter the gut ecology. Finally, we constructed a cirrhosis diagnostic model based on different features (bacteria, fungi, metabolites, clinical indexes) with an AUC of 0.938. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed the characteristics of gut microbial composition and their intricate internal crosstalk in cirrhotic patients, providing cutting-edge explorations of potential roles of gut microbes in cirrhosis.