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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Alzheimer's Research – Exploring Early Detection and Multi-Omics Approaches
Published on: December 15, 2023
Application of Metagenomics Sequencing in a Patient with Dementia: A New Case Report
Maria Minelli1,2, Federico Anaclerio1,3, Dario Calisi1,3
1Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
Abstract:
(1) Background: The study of the microbiome is crucial for its role in major systemic diseases, in particular the oral and gut microbiota. In recent years, the study of microorganisms correlated, for example, with neurodegenerative disease has increased the prospect of a possible link between gut microbiota and the brain. Here, we report a new case concerning a patient who was initially evaluated genetically for dementia and late-onset dyskinesia, and later tested with 16S metagenomics sequencing. (2) Methods: Starting from a buccal swab, we extracted bacterial DNA and then we performed NGS metagenomics sequencing based on the amplification of the hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene in bacteria. (3) Results: The sequencing revealed the presence of the Spirochaetes phylum, a pathogenic bacterium generally known to be capable of migrating to the Central Nervous System. (4) Conclusions: Oral infections, as our results suggest, could be possible contributing factors to various neurodegenerative conditions.

