Schizophrenia-Associated Alterations in Gut Mycobiome Profile and Systemic Immune Responses: A Chinese Cohort Study

In the current study, we recruited 151 elderly participants, comprising 87 individuals diagnosed with SZ and 64 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs), to explore the gut mycobiome profiles through fungal-specific internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) amplicon sequencing. Additionally, we assessed serum immune markers utilizing the multiplex Bio-Plex technology. By investigating fecal fungal dysbiosis and its potential association with systemic immune dysfunction, we hope to enhance our understanding of the role of gut fungi in the pathophysiology of SZ and their interaction with immune system alterations. Identification of specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets associated with the gut mycobiota could offer novel insights into potential strategies for modulating the gut mycobiota to alleviate or treat SZ.