Gut Microbiome of Vitiligo Patients
We examined the gut microbiome composition in a cohort of vitiligo patients and healthy controls from India, including patients having a family history of the disease. Significant alterations in the gut microbiome of vitiligo patients compared to healthy controls were observed, affecting taxonomic and functional profiles. This included a decrease in the abundance of SCFA (Short Chain Fatty Acids) producing taxa in the vitiligo group. A higher abundance of genes linked to bacteria-mediated degradation of intestinal mucus suggested a potential compromise of the gut mucus barrier in vitiligo. Combined analysis with data from a French cohort of vitiligo led to the identification of common genera differentiating healthy and vitiligo-associated gut microbiome across populations.