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Updated: May 23, 2026
11:22
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
The human microbiome and its potential importance to pediatrics
Coreen L Johnson1, James Versalovic
1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. coreenj@bcm.edu
Pediatrics
|April 5, 2012
Summary
The human microbiome, comprising over 1 trillion microbes, plays vital roles in health. This review summarizes pediatric and adult microbiome research, exploring factors influencing its composition and function.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Health
- Genomics
Background:
- The human body hosts over 1 trillion microbes, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Commensal microbes are crucial for host nutrition, immune development, and pathogen protection.
- Advances in sequencing and metagenomics enhance understanding of microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current pediatric microbiome studies.
- To highlight recent findings in adult microbiome research.
- To elucidate microbiome development and influencing factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric and adult microbiome studies.
- Analysis of genomic sequencing and metagenomic data.
- Exploration of factors affecting microbiome composition and function.
Main Results:
- The human microbiome is integral to various physiological processes.
- Significant differences exist between healthy and diseased microbiome states.
- Microbiome composition and function are dynamic and influenced by multiple factors.
Conclusions:
- The human microbiome is essential for overall health.
- Further research is needed to fully understand microbiome development and modulation.
- Targeting the microbiome holds potential for therapeutic interventions.
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