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Updated: May 30, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Microbial eukaryotes in the human microbiome: ecology, evolution, and future directions.

Laura Wegener Parfrey¹, William A Walters, Rob Knight

¹Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, CO, USA.

Frontiers in Microbiology

|August 3, 2011

Summary

The human gut microbiome, largely bacteria, also contains microbial eukaryotes. Researching these eukaryotes is key to understanding gut health, disease, and ecological principles.

Keywords:

eukaryotic diversity host-associated communities intestinal protozoa

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Published on: May 28, 2007

Area of Science:

Microbiome research
Human gut ecology
Microbial eukaryotes

Background:

High-throughput sequencing has revealed bacterial diversity in the human gut, impacting health and disease.
The eukaryotic component of the human gut microbiome is understudied.
Microbial eukaryotes inhabit the gut globally, including pathogenic and commensal species.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of microbial eukaryotes in the human gut microbiome.
To understand the ecological and evolutionary principles governing gut microbiota.
To integrate eukaryotic microbes into a holistic view of microbiome function.

Main Methods:

Application of high-throughput sequencing technologies to microbial eukaryotes in the gut.
Broad surveys of eukaryotic microbiota and associated bacteria.
Analysis across diverse geographical and socioeconomic populations.

Main Results:

Microbial eukaryotes are common in the human gut worldwide.
Parasitic eukaryotic taxa contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality.
The role of commensal or beneficial eukaryotes in healthy individuals requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

Studying microbial eukaryotes is crucial for understanding human health and disease.
An integrated ecological approach is needed to view microbiome function.
Future research should focus on diverse populations to fully characterize the gut microbiome.