Intestinal Flora Testing

Why 16s rDNA Sequencing Is Key To Intestinal Flora Testing?

16S rDNA sequencing plays a crucial role in intestinal flora testing. This technique analyzes the sequence of a specific gene (16S ribosomal RNA gene) from a stool sample to unveil the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome.

• The Science: All bacteria and some archaea possess the 16S rRNA gene, containing both conserved and variable regions. While conserved regions help distinguish bacterial groups like phyla, variable regions exhibit greater diversity, allowing differentiation between bacterial species. By sequencing and analyzing these variable regions, scientists can identify the bacterial types present in the sample and estimate their relative abundance.

• The Application: The gut microbiome significantly impacts human digestion, immunity, and overall health. 16S rDNA sequencing results aid healthcare professionals in assessing the health of an individual's gut microbiome and inform the diagnosis and treatment of certain intestinal-related diseases.

• Limitations: Despite its benefits, 16S rDNA sequencing has limitations. It might not always provide species-level identification, and the results can be influenced by various factors, such as the targeted region of the 16S rRNA gene and the data analysis methods employed.