Essential Microbiota - Metagenomic Analysis

Description

What is Essential Microbiota?

Essential Microbiota is a targeted clinical metagenomic analysis that focuses on the most relevant aspects of the gut microbiota for human health, evaluating quantitatively and qualitatively the 150 most important gut microorganisms.

This essential and practical approach provides a clear and concise view of the state of the gut microbiota, identifying alterations, dysbiosis and key functional profiles that directly impact the patient’s health.

Targeted Approach

• Analysis of the 150 most relevant microorganisms
• Practical and clinically relevant approach
• Quantitative and qualitative assessment
• Identification of key functional patterns

What Does It Identify?

1

Quantification of 150 key microbial species

Targeted analysis of the species most relevant to health

2

Specialized functional profiles

Butyrate, mucus, serotonin, GABA

3

Pathogen detection

Identification of pathogenic microorganisms

4

Diversity assessment

Analysis of functional microbial diversity

Nanopore NGS Technology

We use third-generation Nanopore NGS sequencing technology to obtain accurate and reliable results in 15 business days.

Technology

Nanopore NGS Technology

Third-Generation Sequencing

We employ advanced Nanopore NGS technology that enables long reads and real-time analysis, providing a complete characterization of the 150 most relevant microorganisms.

• Reads of variable length up to several kilobases
• Direct DNA analysis without amplification
• Accurate species-level identification
• Absolute quantification of abundances

Targeted and Specialized Analysis

Our targeted approach focuses specifically on the 150 gut microorganisms with the greatest clinical and functional relevance, optimizing precision and clinical usefulness.

• Curated panel of 150 essential species
• Focus on clinical relevance
• Optimization of analytical resources
• Facilitated clinical interpretation

Advanced Functional Profiles

We analyze the most important functional profiles for health: butyrate production, mucus metabolism, serotonin and GABA synthesis.

• Butyrate: Essential short-chain fatty acid
• Mucus: Intestinal barrier and protection
• Serotonin: Gut neurotransmitter
• GABA: Inhibitory neurotransmitter

Analysis Protocol

1

DNA extraction

Specialized protocol for microbiota

2

Targeted preparation

Focus on 150 key species

3

NGS sequencing

Advanced Nanopore technology

4

Bioinformatic analysis

Quantification and functional profiles

5

Clinical report

Specialized interpretation

Certifications

• CE-IVD certification
• Clinically validated protocol
• ISO 15189 standards
• Rigorous quality control

Sample

Sample Collection Protocol

Sample Type

Fresh stool: Preferred sample

Amount: 2-5 grams

Container: Sterile with stabilizer

Storage Conditions

• Immediate: Process within 2 hours at room temperature
• Refrigeration: 2-8°C up to 24 hours
• Freezing: -20°C up to 1 week
• Stabilizer: With included buffer up to 30 days

Patient Instructions

Prior preparation (3 days before):

• Stop probiotics and antibiotics (if possible)
• Maintain usual diet
• Avoid laxatives or enemas

Day of collection:

• First bowel movement of the morning
• Use the collection kit provided
• Fill to the indicated mark
• Close tightly

Factors That May Affect

• Antibiotics (up to 4 weeks after)
• Probiotics (3 days before the sample)
• Laxatives or bowel preparations
• Extreme diet or prolonged fasting
• Acute diarrhea (wait for normalization)

Results

Interpretation of Results

Analysis of the 150 Key Species

Relative abundance: Percentage of each species

Alpha diversity: Richness and evenness

Beta diversity: Comparison with a healthy population

Dysbiosis indices: Functional alterations

Pathogens detected: Pathogenic microorganisms

Functional Profiles

Butyrate: SCFA production capacity

Intestinal mucus: Barrier function

Serotonin: Gut-brain axis

GABA: Inhibitory neurotransmission

Results Timeline

Day 0

Receipt and initial processing

Days 1-10

Sequencing and bioinformatic analysis

Day 12

Final report available

Clinical Interpretation

• Results should be interpreted together with the clinical history
• The focus on 150 species facilitates practical interpretation
• Functional profiles guide specific interventions
• Ideal for post-intervention monitoring
• We recommend consultation with a microbiota specialist

Clinical indications

Main Indications

• Nonspecific digestive symptoms Abdominal discomfort, transit alterations, heavy digestion
• Dysbiosis monitoring Follow-up of known microbial imbalances
• Assessment of dietary interventions Control after probiotics, prebiotics or nutritional changes

Neuropsychiatric Conditions

• Mood disorders
• Anxiety and stress
• Sleep disturbances
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Cognitive impairment

Autoimmune Diseases

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Celiac disease

Specialties That Request It

Gastroenterology

Neurology

Functional Medicine

Nutrition

Immunology

Internal Medicine

Advantages of the Essential Approach

• Targeted and practical analysis
• Facilitated clinical interpretation
• Specific functional profiles
• Ideal for follow-up
• Cost-effective
• Actionable results