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Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Guided Protocol for Fecal Microbial Characterization by 16S rRNA-Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: March 19, 2018
SSAT State-of-the-Art Conference: Advancements in the Microbiome
Miquell O Miller1, Purna C Kashyap2, Sarah L Becker2
1Department of General Surgery, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. miquellm@stanford.edu.
The human microbiome significantly impacts health, influencing obesity, inflammation, and cancer treatments. Targeting the gut microbiome offers potential for personalized therapies and managing diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- The human microbiome is integral to physiological processes.
- Microbial dysbiosis is linked to various diseases and complications.
- Recent advancements highlight the microbiome's role in health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the influence of the microbiome on key health areas.
- To review the microbiome's role in obesity, inflammation, and cancer.
- To discuss implications for gastrointestinal health and surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review presented at the 60th Annual Meeting of the Society of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT).
- Synthesis of expert discussions on microbiome functions.
- Compilation of current understanding of microbiome-disease interactions.
Main Results:
- The microbiome influences obesity, inflammation, and cancer therapy efficacy.
- Microbial imbalances are implicated in inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatic cancer.
- Gut microbiome status affects surgical complication rates.
Conclusions:
- The microbiome is a critical factor in disease development and progression.
- Targeting the gut microbiome is a promising avenue for individualized medical treatments.
- Further research is essential to harness the microbiome for therapeutic benefit.
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