Open AccessA feasibility study: association between gut microbiota enterotype and antibody response to seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine in adults
Author(s) -
Shortt Nick,
Poyntz Hazel,
Young Wayne,
Jones Angela,
Gestin Aurélie,
Mooney Anna,
Thayabaran Darmiga,
Sparks Jenny,
Ostapowicz Tess,
Tay Audrey,
Poppitt Sally,
Elliott Sarah,
Wakefield Georgia,
ParryStrong Amber,
Ralston Jacqui,
Gasser Olivier,
Beasley Richard,
Weatherall Mark,
Braithwaite Irene,
ForbesBlom Elizabeth
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
clinical and translational immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.321
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 2050-0068
DOI - 10.1002/cti2.1013
Subject(s) - medicine , gut flora , immune system , influenza vaccine , immunology , antibody response , antibody , vaccine trial , vaccination , respiratory tract infections , respiratory system
Objective We investigated the potential feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of a nutritional intervention that may alter human gut microbiota and support immune defence against respiratory tract infection in adults (Proposed Study). Methods In total, 125 healthy adults aged 18–64 participated in a 6‐month study that measured antibody response to the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine. We assessed completion rates, procedure adherence rates and the influence of possible exclusion criteria on potential recruitment into the Proposed Study. We examined whether the gut microbiota could be categorised into enterotypes, and whether there was an association between enterotypes and the antibody response to the influenza vaccine. Results The participant completion rate was 97.6% (95% CI 93.1–99.5%). The proportions (95% CI ) of participants who may be excluded for antibiotic or corticosteroid use in the 30 days prior to the study, or due to receiving the influenza vaccine in the previous two years were 9.6% (5.1–16.2), 8.0% (3.9–14.2) and 61.6% (52.5–70.2), respectively. All participants were stratified into four gut microbiota enterotypes. There was no association between these enterotypes and the antibody response to the influenza vaccine, although the study was not powered for this outcome. Conclusion This study design is suitable for the Proposed Study. The completion rate is likely to be high, although exclusion criteria should be selected with care. Further analyses of gut microbiota composition or function in association with antibody and immune responses are warranted to explore the role of host–microbiota interactions on protective immunity.