uBiome
is a citizen science project that allows the public access to cutting edge
sequencing technology to understand their health through the microbiome.
The
service allows users to send in body samples and their microbial flora can be
characterised. The project is part of an activity to build up a database of the
diversity of microorganisms carried in and on the human body. Various studies
have linked the diversity microorganisms to human health.
According
to uBiome, “Five Things Your Microbiome Can Tell You” are:
1.
Obesity. Ley et al (2006) and others
have identified gut microbes associated with obesity, such as Eubacterium
rectale. In addition, Upadhyay et al (2012) did experiments with mouse models
and suggested the possibility that the microbiome could be manipulated for
weight control in the near future
2.
Dietary composition. Wu et al (2011) found that gut enterotypes were strongly
associated with long-term diets, particularly protein and animal fat
(Bacteroides) versus carbohydrates (Prevotella).
3.
Antibiotics. If you have recently taken
antibiotics, your gut microflora may not yet have been replenished. Dethlefsen
et al (2008) found that ciprofloxacin treatment influenced the abundance of
about a third of the bacterial taxa in the gut. Similarly, Jernberg et al
(2007) found that long after the selection pressure from a short antibiotic
exposure has been removed, there are persistent long term impacts on the human
intestinal microbiota that remain for up to two years post-treatment.
4.
Allergies. Is your nasal microbiome associated with the profile of chronic
sinusitis? Abreu et al (2012) found that multiple, phylogenetically distinct
lactic acid bacteria were depleted concomitant with an increase in the relative
abundance of a single species, Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum, in patients
suffering from chronic sinusitis.
5.
Bacterial vaginosis. If you have a penis, your microbiome may be correlated
with bacterial vaginosis in women. Price et al (2010) found that two families
found in certain penis microbiomes -- Clostridiales Family XI and
Prevotellaceae -- have been previously associated with bacterial vaginosis.
This may correspond to frequent infections in your partner.
The
results of the study are made public (unless the user opts out), with the aim
of advancing scientific understanding.
Please
note, this is not a free service and it is not endorsed by this website.
Posted by Tim Sandle
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Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources