The 13th Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit, set to take place on March 15-16 in Washington, D.C., will bring together leading experts to discuss groundbreaking research on the gut microbiome and its applications in clinical practice. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) are putting on the event, which should show new information about how important gut bacteria are for health and disease management.

One of the most anticipated studies at the summit explores how COVID-19 affects the gut microbiome in children. Persistent gut microbiome dysbiosis, characterised by elevated faecal biomarkers in children post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, led to prolonged gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study found that kids who had the virus had a lot of problems with the bacteria in their guts. Researchers noted a reduction in beneficial bacteria, such as Lacticaseibacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are essential for reducing inflammation and maintaining gut health. Additionally, children with long-lasting symptoms exhibited different types of bacteria, higher levels of inflammatory markers, and less effective gut barriers. These results underscore the need for further research on immune responses and potential microbiome-based therapies to address long-term problems resulting from COVID.

A novel role for S100B in diet and gut microbiota regulation, a forthcoming study, explores the influence of dietary proteins on gut bacteria. Researchers analysed 35 plant-based and 23 dairy-based foods and found that nearly half of the test samples contained S100B, a calcium-binding protein. The study suggests that S100B may interact with gut bacteria in ways that could positively influence conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These findings open possibilities for new dietary strategies, including the development of S100B-enriched supplements and nutraceuticals aimed at promoting gut health.

A meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials, encompassing data from 2,345 patients, has revealed that probiotics can significantly alleviate postcolonoscopy discomfort. The study that found probiotics helped with stomach pain, bloating, and vomiting after a colonoscopy was called Efficacy of Probiotics in Reducing Post-Colonoscopy Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. However, they did not significantly impact nausea, constipation, gas, or diarrhoea. These results suggest that probiotic use could enhance patient recovery, potentially encouraging more individuals to undergo this critical screening for colorectal diseases.

The Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit 2025 underscores the growing recognition of the gut microbiome as a cornerstone of human health. The studies presented highlight their roles in post-viral recovery, dietary interventions, and procedural recovery, emphasising the need for continued research and clinical application. With long-term COVID-19 complications posing new challenges, dietary components influencing gut bacteria, and probiotics showing promise for medical recovery, integrating microbiome science into healthcare could revolutionise disease prevention and management. As scientific advancements continue, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration will be key in translating these findings into tangible health benefits for patients worldwide.