Geetika Malik Ahlawat

Chandigarh University

Title: Gut Microbiota Disparities Between Active Crohn’s Disease and Healthy Controls: A Global Systematic Review

---

Biography

Geetika Malik Ahlawat is an Assistant Professor at the University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, India. She holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology. She has authored many peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters, with her recent publication in Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health offering global insights into gut microbiota imbalances in Crohn’s disease. She has received the “Best Teacher Award” (2022–2023) and is known for her interdisciplinary research in microbiome science, biosensors, and microbial therapeutics. Her academic journey spans teaching, research, and industry, including roles in biotechnology training. Passionate about translational microbiology, she actively contributes to advancing health research through microbiome studies and evidence-based approaches. As a speaker, she brings both academic depth and practical perspective to global discussions on microbiota-driven healthcare solutions.

Abstract

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) is challenging to manage. It has been suggested that modifying the gut microbiota could be a treatment strategy. We performed this systematic review to compare the gut microbiota between active CD and healthy controls. 

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using several databases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), covering the years 2000 to 2022. 

Results: A review identified 27 studies involving 954 patients with Crohn’s disease and 972 healthy controls. The key findings:

•The family Enterobacteriaceae and genus Bacteroides were increased in active CD compared to controls in 13 and 8 studies, respectively. The family Oscillospiraceae and genus Faecalibacterium decreased in active CD vs controls in 12 and 10 studies, respectively. 

•A reduction in gut microbiome diversity was found in patients with active Crohn’s disease compared to the healthy controls.

Conclusion: A systematic review revealed that patients with active Crohn’s disease have reduced gut bacterial diversity and have more harmful bacteria. These microbiota changes may contribute to the disease's progression, highlighting the need to understand these differences to enhance management and outcomes for aging populations with inflammatory bowel diseases.