A hidden gut bacterium that shows up wherever people are healthy

A mystery bacterium called CAG-170 shows up wherever people are healthy. Scientists studied over 11,000 gut samples from 39 countries. They compared people with 13 diseases against healthy ones. In every case the healthy people had more of this germ. Most CAG-170 bacteria have never been grown in a lab. Scientists found them only by their genetic fingerprints in stool. These bacteria make lots of vitamin B12. That helps feed other good gut microbes. They also break down many carbs and fibers. Dr Alexandre Almeida of Cambridge University led the study. He says this germ is a basic and overlooked part of human health. The work appeared in Cell Host and Microbe in February 2026.

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