Diagnostic and prognostic value of the gut microbiota and its metabolite butyrate in children with biliary atresia

This study identifies distinct gut microbiota patterns in biliary atresia patients, including reduced diversity and elevated Proteobacteria, with Streptococcus/Bacteroides ratios showing strong diagnostic potential. Reduced serum butyrate levels correlate with poor outcomes, suggesting microbiome profiling may offer noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic value.