Exploring the Relationship Between Gut Dysbiosis and Autoimmune Disorders in South Asian Populations

Authors

  • Saba Sarwar Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Fozia Alam Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Ijaz Khan King Edward Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i10.1884

Keywords:

gut dysbiosis; autoimmune diseases; South Asia; microbiome; inflammation; 16S rRNA; SCFA-producing bacteria

Abstract

Background: Gut dysbiosis has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, yet data from South Asian populations—who carry unique environmental, dietary, and infectious exposures—remain limited. Objective: To investigate the relationship between composite gut dysbiosis and autoimmune disease activity, systemic inflammation, and patient-reported outcomes in South Asian adults receiving care in a secondary clinical setting in Pakistan. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 65 adults with autoimmune diseases were enrolled from a secondary care facility in Chiniot. Composite dysbiosis scores combined α-diversity indices with pro- to anti-inflammatory taxa ratios. Clinical assessments, inflammatory biomarkers, lifestyle exposures, and 16S rRNA microbiome profiles were analyzed across dysbiosis tertiles using multivariable regression models adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders. Results: Higher dysbiosis was associated with significantly reduced Shannon and Simpson diversity, depletion of SCFA-producing taxa (Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Prevotella), and enrichment of pro-inflammatory genera (Veillonella, Collinsella). Disease activity, hs-CRP, ESR, pain, fatigue, and poor HRQoL increased progressively across dysbiosis tertiles. Each 1-SD increase in dysbiosis corresponded to higher autoimmune activity (β=0.36, p<0.001) and elevated hs-CRP and ESR after adjustment. Conclusion: Severe gut dysbiosis is strongly associated with heightened autoimmune activity and systemic inflammation in South Asian adults, suggesting a modifiable microbial component that may inform targeted dietary, antimicrobial stewardship, and vitamin D strategies.

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Published

2025-10-31

How to Cite

Saba Sarwar, Fozia Alam, & Ijaz Khan. (2025). Exploring the Relationship Between Gut Dysbiosis and Autoimmune Disorders in South Asian Populations. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 5(10), e1884. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i10.1884

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 10 (October 2025)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Saba Sarwar, Fozia Alam, Ijaz Khan

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