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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
The opposing forces of the intestinal microbiome and the emerging pathobiome
Jennifer Defazio1, Irma D Fleming1, Baddr Shakhsheer1
1Center for Surgical Infection Research and Therapeutics, Department of Surgery, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 6040, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
This article summarizes emerging concepts on the role of the intestinal microbiome in surgical patients. Revolutionary research over the past decade has shown that human beings live in close and constant contact with boundless communities of microbes. Recent innovations in the study of the human microbiome are reviewed. To demonstrate the applicability of these studies to surgical disease, the authors discuss what is known about the role of microbes in the pathogenesis of perioperative complications. Enhanced awareness of the human microbiome will empower clinicians to adopt novel practices in the prevention and treatment of a variety of surgical conditions.
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