Gut microbiota dysbiosis following severe burn injuries: A systematic review of human and animal studies

Background: Severe burn injuries induce significant alterations in the gut microbiome across various taxonomic levels. These changes, characterized by gut microbiota dysbiosis, have been consistently observed in animal burn models. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that such microbial imbalance plays a critical role in the development of severe post-burn complications. A more precise and comprehensive understanding of post-burn microbiome dynamics may help mitigate complications and improve prognosis in burn patients. Methods: The databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI were systematically searched for studies investigating gut microbiome compositions following burn injuries in both human and animal studies. Results: A total of 12 studies were collected and evaluated, including four human studies, seven animal studies (using mice, rat and swine), and one involving both human and animal models. Findings of these studies indicated that intestinal fecal PH, gut microbiota changes and short-chain fatty acid concentration decreased after burn injury. Conclusion: Alterations in the gut microbiome following severe burn injuries are characterized by diminished microbial diversity, reduced short-chain fatty acids, and compromised intestinal barrier function. These changes are closely associated with intestinal injury and systemic inflammation. Future research should expand into the gut-brain-skin axis and explore how gut microbiome changes affect brain function and mental health in burn patients in order to improve their overall quality of life.