Rectal and Naris Swabs: Practical and Informative Samples for Analyzing the Microbiota of Critically Ill Patients.

ABSTRACT: Commensal microbiota are immunomodulatory, and their pathological perturbation can affect the risk and outcomes of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Consequently, the human microbiota is an emerging diagnostic and therapeutic target in critical illness. In this study, we compared four sample types-rectal, naris, and antecubital swabs and stool samples-for 16S rRNA gene microbiota sequencing in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Stool samples were obtained in only 31% of daily attempts, while swabs were reliably obtained (≥97% of attempts). Swabs were compositionally distinct by anatomical site, and rectal swabs identified within-patient temporal trends in microbiota composition. Rectal swabs from ICU patients demonstrated differences from healthy stool similar to those observed in com

SUBMITTER: Bansal S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6001609 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature