Commentary
Anatomical Variation in Gut Microbiota Studies
Author(s): Michel Karl*
The microbiota of the gut is the most complex of all anatomic sites in terms
of total numbers of bacteria that interact closely with the mucosal immune
system and contribute various functions to host physiology. Especially in the
proximal large intestine a diverse microbiota ferments complex substrates
such as dietary fiber and host mucins, but also metabolizes bile acids and phytoestrogens that reach the large intestine. It is now well established that
microbiota composition differs between but over time also within individuals.
However, a thorough understanding of the sources of variations in microbiota
composition, which is an important requirement for large population based
microbiota studies is lacking. Microbiota composition varies depending on
what kind of sample is collected, most commonly stool samples, stool swabs
or superficial rectal or intest.. Read More»
DOI:
10.37532/1308-4038.15(5).198