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Microbial Community Sequencing

Meaning

Microbial community sequencing is a high-throughput molecular diagnostic technique used to determine the precise genetic identity and relative abundance of the entire collection of microorganisms, or microbiome, present in a biological sample, such as stool. This technology involves sequencing marker genes, like the 16S rRNA gene, or the entire microbial DNA (shotgun metagenomics) to provide a detailed, functional blueprint of the gut ecosystem. Clinicians utilize this comprehensive data to move beyond simple pathology and understand the functional capacity of the microbial community in relation to host health and endocrine function.