Persistent environmental contaminant changes the gut microbiome of mice

An industrial chemical — phased out since 2002, but previously used in stain and water-repellent products and firefighting foam — alters the gut microbiome of mice and could have implications for human health, according to an international team of researchers.

Researchers found that perfluorooctane sulfonate altered the composition of the mouse microbiome and the metabolism of the bacterial communities in their guts. IMAGE: © ISTOCK PHOTO / ROYALTYSTOCKPHOTO