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A Method for Targeted 16S Sequencing of Human Milk Samples
Published on: March 23, 2018
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Microbiota of human breast tissue.
Camilla Urbaniak1, Joanne Cummins, Muriel Brackstone
1Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|March 11, 2014
Summary
The human breast tissue harbors a diverse bacterial microbiome, distinct from the skin. This study identified various bacterial species in non-lactating women, suggesting a unique mammary gland microbial community.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Microbiome Research
- Breast Health
Background:
- Growing recognition of the human microbiome's role in health.
- Previous studies identified bacteria in human milk, suggesting external origin.
- Limited understanding of the microbial communities residing within breast tissue itself.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and diversity of a bacterial microbiome within human mammary tissue.
- To compare microbial communities in breast tissue from women with and without cancer.
- To explore potential differences in the breast microbiome between Canadian and Irish populations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of breast tissue samples from 81 women using 16S rRNA sequencing and bacterial culture.
- Inclusion of participants aged 18-90, with and without a history of lactation or cancer.
- Geographical sampling in Canada and Ireland to assess regional variations.
Main Results:
- Detection of a diverse bacterial population across all analyzed breast tissue sites.
- Proteobacteria identified as the principal phylum; specific abundant taxa varied between Canadian (e.g., Bacillus, Acinetobacter) and Irish (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus) samples.
- Confirmation of viable bacteria via culture in some samples, despite the absence of infection symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Human mammary tissue harbors a complex and diverse bacterial microbiome.
- The composition of the breast microbiome may exhibit geographical variations.
- Further research is required to elucidate the role of these resident bacteria in breast health and disease.
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