Microbiota Research
The human microbiome includes more than 10,000 different species of fungi, bacteria, archaea, and viruses. The total number of microbial cells is hundreds of times higher than the number of the human body's own cells. The microbiota plays a huge role in maintaining the health and normal functioning of our body. Symbiotic microorganisms are involved in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients, protect against colonization by pathogens, and influence the regulation of the immune system.
Microbiota PCR assays
Intestinal microbiome
Intestinal microbiome is one of the most actively studied communities of microorganisms. This is due to its immense complexity and lots of interactions with human organism. It is now being proven that intestinal microbiome is involved into pathogenic mechanisms od various diseases.
- Systemic antibiotic therapy inevitably influences intestinal microbiome. Often in such conditions antibiotic-resistant opportunistic microorganisms thrive, which leads to increase in their number and, thus, dysbacteriosis. Clostridium difficile-associated infection is an example, with clinical picture varying from light diarrhea to systemic inflammatory response syndrome with lethal outcome.
- One of the most dangerous states specific to premature babies is necrotizing enterocolitis; this is an acute inflammatory intestine disease which may be complicated with bowel necrosis, intestinal perforation and general peritonitis. Recent studies show that necrotizing enterocolitis develops as a deviant response of immature immune system to microbial colonization of intestine. There is data on changed microbiome composition at babies before clinical necrotizing enterocolitis manifestation, with higher relative concentration of Proteobacteria and lower concentrations of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.
- There is gradually more evidence of intestinal microbiome involvement into pathogenic mechanisms of more diseases, like type 1 diabetes, obesity and autism spectrum disorders. Separate intestinal microbiome representatives are involved in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and can be found in the relevant tumor tissues.
ENTEROFLOR®KIDDY
ENTEROFLOR® Kiddy is a one-of-a-kind DNA-Technology development allowing to determine qualitative and quantitative gut microbiota composition in kids from birth to 14 years of age by real-time PCR in just a few hours. The kit assesses 43 specific indicators (from specific species of bacteria and fungi to groups of bacteria) composing 99.9% of gut microbiota.
The test is based on gut microbiota state assessment by relative normal and opportunistic microbiota content in total bacterial load (TBL).
MORE ABOUT ENTEROFLOR® KIDDYFemoflor®. Female reproductive system microbiome
Normally, female urogenital tract (FUT) microbiome is a stable and balanced system. It mainly consists of lactobacilli that create acidic environment in vagina which, in turn, prevents proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. The rest is opportunistic microflora: staphylococci, streptococci, Gardnerella, Candida fungi. In small quantities, they are not harmful to the body, but can lead to diseases if their proportion in the microbiome increases (due to stress, weakened immunity, antibiotic use, or hormonal changes). A link has been established between clinically expressed infection, inflammation, and impaired reproductive function. It is important to consider that even minor changes in the microbiome can affect the functioning of the female reproductive system.
Femoflor® is a multiplex study of female urogenital microbiota by real-time PCR acknowledged by both Russian and foreign clinicians. It allows for high-precision determination of qualitative and quantitative female urogenital tract microbiota to diagnose such diseases as bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
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Androflor®. Male reproductive tract microbiome
Male urethral microflora is mainly represented by staphylococci, streptococci and Corynebacterium entering urethra from the skin.
Normal urethral microflora composition may be affected due to personal hygiene issues, broad-spectrum antibiotics intake or metabolic disorders. Male urogenital infections may result in reproductive disorders and significantly affect the quality of life.
Androflor® is a multiplex study of male urogenital microbiota by real-time PCR developed and produced by DNA-Technology. It allows for high-precision determination of qualitative and quantitative male urogenital tract microbiota to diagnose UGT dysbiosis, infections and possible causes of infertility.
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PCR microbiota assay
- Real-time PCR testing allows for rapid and accurate determination of both the qualitative and quantitative composition of a biotope’s microbiota.
- The PCR method does not require culturing: the result is based on detection of microbial DNA fragments.
- Unlike microscopy, PCR is an instrumental methodology and is independent of the specific specialist’s level of training. Therefore, the risk of incorrect, subjective interpretation of test results is eliminated.
- Compared to modern sequencing methods, PCR is significantly cheaper and simpler. NGS can also provide an accurate answer regarding the qualitative composition of the microbiota, but the complexity of data processing prevents its widespread use in clinical practice.
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Please note that the specialists of the DNA Technology company provide consultations exclusively to medical specialists on the application and research features. Requests related to the appointment, delivery, or interpretation of tests are not considered. For relevant information, we recommend contacting the laboratory directly.