Metagenomic sequencing reveals altered metabolic pathways in the oral microbiota of sailors during a long sea voyage.

ABSTRACT: Seafaring is a difficult occupation, and sailors face higher health risks than individuals on land. Commensal microbiota participates in the host immune system and metabolism, reflecting the host's health condition. However, the interaction mechanisms between the microbiota and the host's health condition remain unclear. This study reports the influence of long sea voyages on human health by utilising a metagenomic analysis of variation in the microbiota of the buccal mucosa. Paired samples collected before and after a sea-voyage were analysed. After more than 120 days of ocean sailing, the oral microbial diversity of sailors was reduced by approximately 5 fold, and the levels of several pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus pneumonia) increased. Moreover, 69.46% of the identified microbial seque

SUBMITTER: Zheng W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4360635 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature