Altered oral microbiomes in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The host microbiome is increasingly recognized as a key modulator of brain function and disease progression, yet the role of the oral microbiome in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness remains underexplored.

Methods

This study characterized oral microbiota differences among pDoC patients (n = 89) in the vegetative state (VS), the minimally conscious state (MCS), and emerging from the MCS (EMCS), with a particular focus on the impact of antibiotic use. We used 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing to profile oral microbiota in patients with different levels of consciousness.

Results

β-diversity was significantly reduced in the VS group compared to the EMCS group. Differential abundance analysis identified five taxa (i.e., species Strept

SUBMITTER: Xu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12632230 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature