The gut microbiome in urban and rural Brazilian populations
November 5, 2020 | 13:30 h - 14:30 h
ZEF Colloquium by Assistent Professor Christian Hoffmann, Department of Food Sciences and Experimental Nutrition at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Christian Hoffmann is partner in the One Health and Urban Transformation graduate school hosted by ZEF. He is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Food Sciences and Experimental Nutrition at the University of Sao Paulo. His research interests are centered on the human gut microbiome, its functions in health and disease, how it is modulated by diet and the immune system. He uses high-throughput DNA sequencing and molecular biology techniques, as well as bioinformatic tools, to explore the diversity and function of the gut microbiome. He employs both population based survey studies and dietary interventions to help elucidate our host-microbial relationships.
Summary: Recent research has shown that the gut microbiome of western countries has likely shifted very quickly, with consequent loss of microbial diversity. This loss of microbial diversity is associated with avariety of conditions and diseases, with hopes that microbiome-centered interventions can improve health, help treat, or perhaps even prevent the onset of diseases. Nevertheless, most large survey studies are conducted in countries where microbiome shifts have already happened. Brazil is a country undergoing profound changes in society, which come with a range of social, economic and cultural backgrounds. The study of Brazilian populations that have yet to undergo microbiome diversity loss, or perhaps are in the process of losing this diversity, could help shed light on how to prevent and reverse these detrimental changes. The results presented here will illustrate the differences between the microbiome or people living in
a highly urbanized city, São Paulo, and contrast them to that of individuals living in a rural Amazon area. Highlights will be presented on pathogen burden, antimicrobial resistance and the effects of diet on the gut microbiome of these two distinct populations.
Register to receive Zoom details by sending email to:
presse.zef@uni-bonn.de
NOTE: The colloquium, including the Q&A part, might be recorded. You will have the option to switch off your video and send questions through the chatbox.
