To characterize preoperative rectal microbiota using enterosignatures and assess their association with surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Key Findings:
The Firmicutes enterosignature was a significant risk factor for SSIs.
The Prevotella enterosignature was associated with a reduced risk of SSIs.
The Firmicutes-to-Prevotella ratio (ES-Firm-Prev ratio) was a robust independent predictor of SSIs.
Interpretation:
The ES-Firm-Prev ratio may serve as a novel biomarker for identifying high-risk patients for SSIs preoperatively, enhancing patient management and outcomes.
Limitations:
The study was limited to elective abdominal surgeries and may not generalize to other surgical types.
Individual variations in microbiota composition could affect the generalizability of findings.
Conclusion:
Preoperative intestinal microbiota profiles, particularly the ES-Firm-Prev ratio, are significant predictors of SSIs, suggesting potential for clinical application in risk stratification.
