A microbiome is a collection of all microorganisms inhabiting a specific environment. These are bacteria, archaea, algae, fungi, protozoa and also viruses.
In the context of human health, the term microbiome usually means the microbial population of the human body or often (and incorrectly) the microbial population of the gut. Identification of these microorganisms, their genes and functions has the potential to define the role of our microbial communities in health and disease. This goal can currently only be achieved with DNA sequencing technologies coupled with powerful analytical tools that answer two key questions without the need to cultivate microbes in the laboratory:
- Taxonomic: "Who is in us?"
- Functional: "And what are they doing there?"
For whom is the human microbiome analysis in our laboratory intended?
- Healthcare professionals and researchers
- Dentists and periodontists
- Pharmaceutical companies and cosmetics manufacturers
- Dermatologists and beauticians
- And others
Below is information on a few selected applications. However, the analysis of the human microbiome is far from being limited to the mentioned types of samples. For other applications, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The community of microbes living in the oral cavity fulfills multiple functions. While the microbial composition in an individual's oral cavity is relatively stable, it can vary substantially between individuals. Microbial communities in the oral cavity are organized in compartments and biofilms. During oral disease—such as chronic periodontitis, dental caries, and gingivitis—the oral microbiome undergoes dynamic changes. These changes can be monitored by oral microbiome sequencing to assess disease progression and therapy efficacy. By analyzing the oral microbiome in detail, we can focus, for example, on its influence on periodontal health.
We offer a comprehensive examination of the oral microbiome
The output of the analysis is, among other things, a periodontal health compass together with a healthy periodontal index (PHI) and an overview of antibiotic resistance in the patient's mouth. The analysis can serve to detect bacterial dysbiosis early, which leads to the development of periodontitis, or to evaluate the course of its treatment.
PHI Index - The Periodontal Health Index (PHI) assesses oral periodontal health based on the composition of the periodontal microbiome. It is calculated by comparing the "red" (associated with periodontitis) and "green" (associated with health) groups of bacteria.
Periodontal Health Compass - The value in the center of the compass represents the patient's PHI index. Values close to 1 indicate the severity of periodontitis (the level of red color is associated with the severity of periodontitis). Values close to 0 indicate a healthy periodontium. The compass arrows show the four basic parameters associated with microbiome assessment:
- North represents the percentage of the triad of the most serious periodontal pathogens, which belong to the so-called "red complex": Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola.
- South is a composite representation of bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, which are typically associated with a healthy periodontium.
- East represents the cumulative representation of bacteria of the genus Fusobacterium. Although Fusobacterium is ubiquitous, an increased presence (approximately above 10%) suggests a possible transition to periodontal disease.
- West represents the cumulative representation of bacteria of the genus Fretibacterium, which serves as an indicator of advanced periodontal biofilm (approximately above 5%).
The skin is the first surface that comes into contact with the environment. Its microbiota is complex and defined by microenvironments in specific topographical areas of the body. The analysis of the skin microbiome has the potential not only to be a tool for the therapy of skin diseases and the monitoring of health threats, but also the development of cosmetic and hygiene products can benefit from it.
Skin microbiome samples are specific due to their low DNA content and require special processing procedures. If you are interested in this type of analysis, please contact us.
Analyzing the gut microbiome is what even a layman can imagine today when hearing the word microbiome. Sequencing analysis of the microbiome from a stool sample provides a detailed overview of the composition and diversity of microorganisms in the intestines. The gut microbiome is extremely complex and still not fully understood, making its interpretation problematic.
Although DNA sequencing provides a detailed overview of the composition of microbial communities, scientific knowledge about their functions and impact on human health is still incomplete. Each person has a unique microbiome that is influenced by a variety of factors such as diet, environment and genetics, making it difficult to draw universal conclusions. So there is no benchmark for what a "normal" gut microbiome looks like. Research aimed at a closer understanding of the gut microbiome is intensively underway, including studying the consequences of changing it in certain ways.
We offer cooperation to scientists, healthcare professionals or companies that are interested in using our long-term technological know-how in the analysis of the intestinal microbiome using the most modern DNA sequencing techniques.
How does a custom microbiome analysis work?
- Study design - Based on your specification, we will jointly determine the objectives of the analysis of the microbiome in your samples, including the broader context, typically the collection of metadata in connection with the collection of samples. We will explain to you the possibilities of analyzing the microbiome using sequencing techniques, taking into account the nature of the study and what questions you can and cannot expect to be answered.
- Sampling - We will provide you with instructions for collection, storage and transport and recommend suitable sampling kits. In case of interest and if it is technically possible, we will carry out or assist in the collection of samples.
- DNA Extraction - After receiving the samples, we extract the microbial DNA in such a way that the overall integrity of the sample is preserved and all microorganisms present are included.
- Sequencing - We analyze the microbial composition of the sample using DNA sequencing techniques.
- Bioinformatics analysis - We process sequencing data using tools and databases that enable accurate identification of microorganisms, their functional capabilities and their representation in the sample.
- Report and interpretation of results - We will provide you with a clear report on the composition of the microbiome in the analyzed samples. In cooperation with you and based on all the data obtained, we will try to interpret the results to the maximum extent possible so that you can draw conclusions from them with regard to the set goals of the project.
If you are interested in our services in human microbiome analysis, contact us.