How is a gut microbiota study performed?

What is the intestinal microbiota?

We know as intestinal microbiota the set of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites that live in our gastrointestinal tract . Although it may seem harmful to your health, it is not at all, as long as the balance is positive for your body.

It's no secret that the microbiota in the gut influences other areas of the body, for better or worse. Therefore, studying it in this area of ​​the body, which is the best known, is essential to drawing conclusions.

How the intestinal microbiota is studied

The intestinal microbiota is studied taking as sample the Stool . It's usually necessary to take a cotton-tip-sized sample, enough to analyze each person's microbiota DNA profile. Keep in mind that stool, by coming into direct contact with the gastrointestinal tract, provides a wealth of information.

Therefore, this is the most direct and least invasive way to study this part of the body. The sample must be taken, sealed, and sent to the laboratory as soon as possible, avoiding temperature changes. The available options, which are not mutually exclusive, are the following:

Sample analysis

He analysis of the sample , in itself, serves to determine if there is any abnormal proportion of microorganisms . Generally, it is thought that the problem lies in an excess of viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria, but sometimes the key lies in a low proportion of these. The aim is, for example, to determine if there is a an imbalance in the intestinal flora , which can cause problems. A check will also be made for any missing microorganisms or excessive bleeding.

Obviously, depending on each case, the focus will be on one issue or another. In any case, it is possible to perform a comprehensive analysis of an individual's microbiota and identify the main parameters.

DNA sequencing of the intestinal microbiota

Secondly, the DNA sequencing It can also be done through the feces , as with other bodily fluids or other tissues. In this case, the sample is first isolated, and only then can it be properly analyzed.

In recent years, this possibility has gained weight for the Identification of possible genetic diseases . Thus, by extracting DNA, the strands can be analyzed to determine if there are any alterations or mutations.

What are gastrointestinal microbiota studies for?

Gut microbiota studies have Various functions , depending on what you're looking for. Fundamentally, they're related to health. Let's see:

• Diagnosis of diseases: The first function and for which the microbiota is traditionally studied is to check if one suffers from any disease . This can be determined by measuring the levels of existing viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites. In some cases, an accurate diagnosis is possible if the symptoms are known.
• Routine health monitoring: Microbiota tests can be performed for routine reasons. Occasionally, especially after a certain age, many doctors want to check for abnormalities or anything unusual.
• Scientific research: microbiota studies They also have a Scientific purpose . There may be interest in knowing the usual proportion of a particular virus or bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, and how it evolves.
• Checking for genetic mutations: The study of the microbiota also serves to check if there is any genetic mutation because, from the sample, DNA sequencing can be done. If there are suspicions that a disease may have a genetic origin and/or hereditary , this is one way to make sure.
• Statistical study: There are diseases that sometimes cannot be directly attributed to heredity. But there are cases where this cause-effect relationship could exist, so this gives us statistical information to investigate further or rule out.
• Study for other areas of the body: It is worth noting that the gut microbiota also influences other areas of the body, such as the reproductive system, whether female or male.

Of course, it's important to clearly define the purpose, both for cost and objective reasons. Since there are several analysis objectives, you must be clear about what you're looking for.

Questions and answers about the intestinal microbiota study

It's good to know the main questions surrounding gut microbiota studies. Let's take a look:

How is the sample taken?

The sample It is taken after defecating on a dry surface . Then, the cane and is introduced into a small tube . If it will be several hours before the sample is sent, we recommend placing the container in the refrigerator.

Where is the sample sent?

A microbiota study can only be done by a laboratory that has the technology For this reason, you should check in advance where to send it and, if you don't have it, request the kit of elements necessary to collect the sample. Remember that if you don't follow all the steps correctly, the sample will probably be useless and you'll have to repeat the process.

How long does it take to get the results?

He reception period The results will vary depending on the laboratory that performs the analysis. However, we can say that a The usual timeframe is 2 weeks from the moment the sample is received. In Spain, there are several laboratories that offer this option.

What is the cost of these tests?

He cost of testing It is also variable, depending mainly on the complexity of the study. Furthermore, there is competition between different laboratories, which sometimes makes it cheaper. In any case, there is a margin between 115 euros for the cheapest tests and up to 600 for the most expensive ones.

Therefore…

The gut microbiota is important for several reasons, both present and future health. Need a study? Genotics We have a comparison tool so you can find the test that best suits your needs, sorted by cost. Contact us . to choose wisely!