Date of Award
12-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science - Biology
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Alexandra Martynova-Van Kley
Second Advisor
Dr. Carmen Montana-Schalk
Third Advisor
Dr. James Van Kley
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Jacob Turner
Abstract
Studies of human microbiomics, spanning diverse anatomical sites, offer a unique perspective into the complex microbial communities within the body. Influenced by age, gender, and disease, it mirrors broader microbial ecosystems. This study specifically delves into the ocular and gastrointestinal tract microbiome, comparing its composition in 43 healthy and diseased patients using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We identified a rich microbial landscape, identifying over 338 bacterial taxa. Notably, Acinetobacter, Cutibacterium, Acidovorax and Herbaspirillum were prevalent in the ocular samples and Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Anaerostipes were mostly prevalent in gut samples. Moreover, dry eye disease conditions were characterized by a higher prevalence of Carnobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter, and Enterococcaceae, whereas healthy eyes exhibited a distinct microbial composition, including the presence of genera Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. The taxa richness in fecal samples from patients with different disease conditions was strongly associated with an increased abundance of the Propionibacteriaceae family in those with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common taxa abundant throughout the stool samples were Anaerobutyricum, Lachnospiraceae, and Eubacteriales. These specific microbiome signatures offer nuanced insights into ocular and gut health. This integrated approach enhances our capacity to understand gut-eye association and develop targeted therapeutic interventions, emphasizing the translational potential of microbiomics in improving human health.
Repository Citation
Sharma, Pallavi, "ANALYSIS OF MICROBIOME IN VARIOUS HUMAN MEDICAL CONDITIONS USING NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING OF THE 16S rRNA GENE" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 578.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/578
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