Fecal samples and rectal swabs adequately reflect the human colonic luminal microbiota.

ABSTRACT: The appropriateness of the fecal microbiota to adequately reflect the gut microbiota composition from more difficult to access luminal content at different colonic locations has been debated. Here, in a healthy population, luminal samples were collected from terminal ileum to rectum using an unique sampling technique without the need of prior bowel cleansing/preparation. Rectal swabs were collected immediately prior colonoscopy by an experienced physician, and fecal samples were collected at home by the participants themselves. Microbiota composition was evaluated as relative abundance, α-diversity and Bray-Curtis dissimilarities. Our data suggest that fecal samples and rectal swabs present noninvasive, easily accessible, low-cost sampling tools that are accurate proxies to characterize lu

SUBMITTER: Rode J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11508938 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature