Cross-sectional study reveals marked gut microbiome heterogeneity in migrant workers, highlighting distinct functional profiles linked to diverse geographic backgrounds.
Key Points
To evaluate the diversity, taxonomic composition, and predicted functional capacity of the gut microbiota among migrant workers residing in Saudi Arabia.
Collected and analyzed fecal samples from N=28 migrant workers living in Saudi Arabia.
Performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3–V4 hypervariable regions and clustered operational taxonomic units at 97% sequence similarity.
Calculated alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, ACE), evaluated inter-individual variance using principal component analysis, and inferred functional metabolic profiles with PICRUSt2.
Observed marked inter-individual taxonomic variation, with Segatella copri, Peptostreptococcus, and Lachnospiraceae representing the dominant taxa across multiple samples.
Principal component analysis demonstrated clear compositional heterogeneity and distinct clustering patterns across individual worker profiles.
Functional pathway prediction via PICRUSt2 indicated an enrichment of microbial genes associated with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.