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Updated: Aug 31, 2025

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Archaea from the gut microbiota of humans: Could be linked to chronic diseases?
Denise Mafra1, Marcia Ribeiro2, Larissa Fonseca3
1Graduate Program in Biological Sciences - Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, (RJ), Brazil; Graduate Program in Nutrition Sciences, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niterói, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niterói, Brazil.
Abstract:
Archaea comprise a unique domain of organisms with distinct biochemical and genetic differences from bacteria. Methane-forming archaea, methanogens, constitute the predominant group of archaea in the human gut microbiota, with Methanobrevibacter smithii being the most prevalent. However, the effect of methanogenic archaea and their methane production on chronic disease remains controversial. As perturbation of the microbiota is a feature of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases and chronic kidney disease, assessing the influence of archaea could provide a new clue to mitigating adverse effects associated with dysbiosis. In this review, we will discuss the putative role of archaea in the gut microbiota in humans and the possible link to chronic diseases.
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