Can the Microbiome Predict Sepsis?

Can standard sepsis protocols catch what the gut already knows? In this conversation, Nicole sits down with Dr. Laura Kahn to explore how the microbiome could transform our understanding of sepsis, antimicrobial resistance, and upstream prevention. They dive into One Health thinking, gut-brain signaling, dysbiosis as an early disease marker, and why your patient’s toilet might someday replace lab work. A provocative look at the limits of protocolized medicine and the potential power of microbial diagnostics. Featured Guest: Laura Kahn, MD, MPH, MPP (LinkedIn @https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kahn-79b01510/): Physician and researcher at Princeton University focused on clinical judgment, public policy, and One Health systems. Key Takeaways: Understand the One Health model and why it's crucial for addressing modern health threats across humans, animals, and ecosystems. Explore how antimicrobial resistance (AMR) develops and spreads from livestock practices to poor sanitation and why the microbiome plays a central role. Learn how human-pet relationships, dietary patterns, and environmental exposures all shape microbial health and, potentially, susceptibility to infection. See how gut dysbiosis may serve as an early indicator of systemic dysfunction, possibly even preceding conditions like sepsis. Discover emerging ideas for integrating microbiome monitoring into clinical care, including the future of diagnostic toilets and personalized microbial assessments. Walk away with actionable insights for strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, counseling patients more holistically, and considering interspecies health in everyday practice. — Get in Touch: [e-mail] Or Visit Us At: SepsisPodcast.org Connect with Nicole on Socials: @nicolekupchik Connect with Sepsis Alliance on Socials: @sepsisalliance To Learn More About Sepsis, Visit EndSuperbugs.org Produced by: Human Content and Sepsis Alliance