Analysis of Mucosal Microbiota in Healthy Individuals
Author Information
Author(s): Hong Pei-Ying, Croix Jennifer A., Greenberg Eugene, Gaskins H. Rex, Mackie Roderick I.
Primary Institution: University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
Hypothesis
Host health status reflects the presence or abundance of certain microbial groups, which can contribute to disease susceptibility.
Conclusion
The study reveals that mucosal-associated microbiota is diverse and exhibits micro-heterogeneity among healthy individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- The mucosal-associated microbiota was comprised of Firmicutes (50.9%), Bacteroidetes (40.2%), and Proteobacteria (8.6%).
- Micro-heterogeneity was observed in biopsy duplicates within defined colonic sites for three individuals.
- Ubiquitous bacterial groups included Bacteroides, Leuconostoc, and Weissella, present in over 90% of biopsy samples.
- Average Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index was 0.39, indicating relative homogeneity in mucosal-associated microbiota along the colon.
Takeaway
This study looked at the tiny living things in the guts of five healthy people and found that they are all a bit different from each other.
Methodology
The study used 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing to analyze the microbial community associated with the colonic mucosa of five healthy individuals.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors include host genetics, dietary regimen, and environmental exposures.
Limitations
The small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Five healthy individuals (2 women, 3 men) aged 50 to 74, with no known history of gastrointestinal disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p=0.04
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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