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Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

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The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
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The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
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The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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Sample storage conditions significantly influence faecal microbiome profiles.

Jocelyn M Choo1, Lex E X Leong1, Geraint B Rogers1,2

  • 1Infection and Immunity Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, SA, Australia.

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Storing fecal samples at 4°C via refrigeration preserves microbial community structure, unlike other methods. OMNIgene.GUT offers an alternative when cold chain transport is unavailable for human gut microbiota studies.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Biobanking

Background:

  • Human faecal microbiota sequencing is common, requiring proper sample storage to prevent bias.
  • Rapid freezing to -80°C is standard but often impractical for home-based sample collection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate various stabilization and storage methods for fecal samples.
  • To compare their effectiveness in preserving microbial community structure against -80°C freezing.

Main Methods:

  • Faecal samples were subjected to different storage conditions: refrigeration (4°C), ambient temperature, and preservative buffers (RNAlater, OMNIgene.GUT, Tris-EDTA).
  • Samples were stored for 72 hours before analysis.
  • Microbial community composition was assessed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Refrigeration at 4°C showed no significant alteration in fecal microbiota diversity or composition compared to -80°C freezing.
  • Storage at ambient temperature and in Tris-EDTA buffer resulted in significant divergence.
  • OMNIgene.GUT exhibited the least alteration among non-refrigerated, non-frozen methods.

Conclusions:

  • Refrigeration is a viable alternative to -80°C freezing for maintaining fecal microbiota integrity.
  • OMNIgene.GUT provides a practical solution for sample preservation when cold chain logistics are challenging.