Session Information
Session Type: Poster Session C
Session Time: 10:30AM-12:30PM
Background/Purpose: The microbiome significantly influences immune dysfunction and gut dysbiosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study seeks to define the distinct microbial characteristics of AS and biomarkers associated with disease activity.
Methods: Forty-four patients with AS and 50 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to assess the microbiota in stool samples. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) was calculated for all AS patients; scores ≥ 2.1 indicated high disease activity, and < 2.1 indicated low disease activity.
Results: The mean age of the AS group was 42.5 years, with 39 males (88.6%). Although the alpha diversity did not differ significantly between the AS and HC groups, marked differences were observed in beta diversity. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria, particularly Gammaproteobacteria, and Enterobacterales, including Escherichia spp., was significantly increased in the AS group. In contrast, the abundance of beneficial taxa, including Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Faecalibacterium, was higher in the HC group. Among patients with AS, alpha diversity decreased in the high disease activity group compared to the low disease activity group, while beta diversity did not differ significantly. Moreover, Coprobacter spp. abundance positively correlated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (p = 0.032) and the ASDAS-CRP (p = 0.023).
Conclusion: Patients with AS exhibit distinct gut microbiota profiles, with increased Proteobacteria and decreased beneficial taxa such as Firmicutes. Higher disease activity is associated with reduced alpha diversity, while Coprobacter spp. abundance correlates with disease activity, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Jeong H, Park E, Jeon C. Alterations in the gut microbiome in ankylosing spondylitis and their correlation with disease activity [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2025; 77 (suppl 9). https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/alterations-in-the-gut-microbiome-in-ankylosing-spondylitis-and-their-correlation-with-disease-activity/. Accessed .« Back to ACR Convergence 2025
ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/alterations-in-the-gut-microbiome-in-ankylosing-spondylitis-and-their-correlation-with-disease-activity/