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Updated: May 13, 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

Gut bacterial microbiota and obesity.

M Million¹, J-C Lagier, D Yahav

¹Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS UMR 7278, IRD 198, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

|March 5, 2013

Summary

The gut microbiota, including probiotics and antibiotics, influences obesity. Specific bacterial phyla like Firmicutes are linked to weight gain, while Bacteroidetes are associated with weight loss. Manipulating the gut microbiota impacts fat accumulation.

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

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Published on: October 15, 2019

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Obesity research
Gut microbiome

Background:

Gut microbiota composition has been linked to obesity, with Firmicutes associated with weight gain and Bacteroidetes with weight loss in mice.
Mechanisms include altered energy extraction from diet and host metabolism changes.
Microbiota transplantation studies demonstrate its independent effect on fat accumulation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review studies on the association between gut microbiota composition, its manipulation, and obesity.
To explore the role of probiotics and antibiotics in modulating the gut microbiota and influencing weight.
To discuss the impact of microbiota on host metabolism and fat accumulation.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on gut microbiota, probiotics, antibiotics, and obesity.
Analysis of studies in animal models (mice) and human populations.
Examination of proposed mechanisms linking microbiota to host weight and fat content.

Main Results:

Specific bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes) are differentially associated with obesity and weight loss.
Gut microbiota transplantation can induce fat accumulation in recipient animals.
Probiotics and antibiotics can manipulate gut microbiota, with some probiotics linked to weight gain.
Antibiotic use has been associated with weight gain in humans.

Conclusions:

Gut microbiota composition and its manipulation significantly influence host obesity and fat accumulation.
The effects of probiotics and antibiotics on weight are strain- and host-dependent.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions between the gut microbiota, diet, and host metabolism in obesity.