Children with higher levels of PFASs in their blood had a reduction in the amount and diversity of bacteria, while increased levels of phthalates were
associated with a reduction in fungi populations.
The researchers also found, surprisingly, that the children who had high levels of chemical compounds in their blood also had in their gut several
types of bacteria that have been used to clean up toxic chemicals. Dehalogenating bacteria have been used for bioremediation to degrade persistent
halogenated chemicals like dry cleaning solvents from the environment. These bacteria are not typically found in the human gut.
"Finding the increased levels of these type of bacteria in the gut means that, potentially, the gut microbiome is trying to correct itself," Gardner
said. |
