Gut Microbiota Disruption and Gut-Derived Lipopolysaccharide Contribute to Severe Leptospirosis Pathogenesis
Leptospira infection disrupts the gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier, leading to the translocation of gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that induces an uncontrolled inflammatory response and contributes to the pathogenesis of severe leptospirosis. Neutralizing gut-derived LPS can improve the survival rate of hamsters with severe leptospirosis when combined with antibiotic or antibody therapy.