RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Diversity of the Human Intestinal Microbial Flora
JF Science
JO Science
FD American Association for the Advancement of Science
SP 1635
OP 1638
DO 10.1126/science.1110591
VO 308
IS 5728
A1 Eckburg, Paul B.
A1 Bik, Elisabeth M.
A1 Bernstein, Charles N.
A1 Purdom, Elizabeth
A1 Dethlefsen, Les
A1 Sargent, Michael
A1 Gill, Steven R.
A1 Nelson, Karen E.
A1 Relman, David A.
YR 2005
UL http://science.sciencemag.org/content/308/5728/1635.abstract
AB The human endogenous intestinal microflora is an essential “organ” in providing nourishment, regulating epithelial development, and instructing innate immunity; yet, surprisingly, basic features remain poorly described. We examined 13,355 prokaryotic ribosomal RNA gene sequences from multiple colonic mucosal sites and feces of healthy subjects to improve our understanding of gut microbial diversity. A majority of the bacterial sequences corresponded to uncultivated species and novel microorganisms. We discovered significant intersubject variability and differences between stool and mucosa community composition. Characterization of this immensely diverse ecosystem is the first step in elucidating its role in health and disease.