Effects of Commonly Used Pesticides on Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiota can be potentially disrupted due to exposure to various environmental factors including pesticides. The widespread use of pesticides in agricultural practices has raised concerns about its potential health effects on humans. This study explores the intricate relationship between pesticide or fungicide exposure and its detrimental impact on the lungs and gastrointestinal microbiome. When pesticides are sprayed on crops, droplets can be inadvertently ingested or inhaled by individuals working in the fields without masks. Once inhaled, pesticide molecules can penetrate through the respiratory tract, gaining access to the lungs. Similarly, ingestion of pesticides through the mouth and contaminated food or water can lead to entry into the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Upon entry into the body, pesticides can disrupt the delicate balance of the microbiota. The microbiota are mainly collection of beneficial microorganisms which include bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, etc. residing in the lungs and gut. The microbiomes have a huge impact on colonization, pathogen resistance, maintain the intestinal epithelium, controlling the host immune function, and maintain a good friendship between gut and lungs. Various classes of agricultural pesticides have been shown to induce toxicity in the microbiome. This may disturb the gut environment and loss of microbiota. The patients may suffer from GIT problems (flatulence, indigestion, loss of appetite, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation) and may have breathing difficulty and skin allergies on exposure to these pesticides. The present in vitro model is an attempt to study the detrimental effect of commonly used fungicides such as copper oxychloride and thiophanate methyl on Lactobacillus casei isolated from the Yakult using MRS agar media.