Microbiome test for home with modern shotgun sequencing
The human gut microbiome consists of billions of microorganisms that together form a complex microbial ecosystem. Modern microbiome analyses today enable deeper insights into bacterial diversity, microbial composition and other microorganisms of the gut, including fungi and viruses. With the Microbiome 360° test from Bactera, you can analyse your gut flora at home, simply through sample collection at home and modern shotgun sequencing in the laboratory. Our microbiome analysis combines modern DNA sequencing with scientific bioinformatics and an interactive online report, for deeper insights into your individual microbiome.
What is a microbiome test?
The gut microbiome comprises billions of microorganisms that colonise the human gut. These include not only bacteria, but also fungi, viruses and other microbial groups².
Every person has an individual microbiome. Composition, bacterial diversity and microbial patterns can differ significantly between people and are influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, environmental factors or antibiotics.
A modern home microbiome test analyses the microbial DNA of a stool sample using modern sequencing technologies. This makes bacterial composition, microbial diversity and other microbiological patterns visible.
While older methods often examine only certain bacterial groups, modern shotgun sequencing enables a considerably more comprehensive analysis of the microbiome.
How does the home test work?
The microbiome test is carried out conveniently from home.
After ordering, you receive a test kit for simple sample collection. The stool sample is then sent securely back to our laboratory, where the microbial DNA is extracted and analysed using modern shotgun sequencing.
Once the analysis is complete, you gain access to your interactive online report with scientific insights into your microbiome.
The process at a glance:
- Order the test kit
- Collect the sample at home
- Send in the sample
- Receive your online results
The analysis is carried out using modern bioinformatic methods and high-resolution microbiome sequencing.
What is analysed?
A modern microbiome test analyses considerably more than just individual bacterial groups.
With shotgun sequencing, the following can be examined, among others:
- bacterial composition
- microbial diversity
- fungi and yeasts
- viruses and bacteriophages
- resistance genes
- functional microbial potential
This creates a considerably more comprehensive picture of the gut microbiome than many classic methods.
Modern shotgun metagenomics in particular enables deeper scientific insights into the complexity of the microbial ecosystem³.
Why shotgun sequencing?
| 16S | Shotgun | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Bacteria only | Bacteria, fungi, viruses, phages, archaea |
| Resolution | rather limited | often down to species level |
| Functional analysis | limited | possible |
| Resistance genes | no | possible |
Shotgun sequencing is now considered one of the most modern methods of microbiome analysis.
Unlike classic 16S methods, shotgun metagenomics does not examine just a single bacterial marker region, but all of the microbial DNA present⁴.
As a result:
- considerably more microorganisms can be captured
- deeper taxonomic insights emerge
- functional potential can be analysed
- resistance genes can be examined
The higher resolution down to species level in particular makes modern shotgun sequencing a powerful technology within microbiome research.
Learn more: Shotgun sequencing explained · 16S vs. Shotgun
What information does the report contain?
The Microbiome 360° report combines modern microbiome analysis with a clear visual presentation of the results.
Depending on the analysis, the following areas can be shown, among others:
- bacterial diversity
- microbial composition
- functional patterns
- resistance genes
- fungi and viruses
- microbial ecosystems
The results are presented via a modern online dashboard and additionally provided as a PDF report.
Important: the analysis serves the scientific and educational interpretation of microbial patterns and does not constitute a medical diagnosis.
Microbiome, nutrition and lifestyle
The microbiome is influenced by many factors. Diet, sleep, stress, exercise and antibiotics can change the composition of the gut microbiome⁵.
A fibre-rich diet in particular is considered an important factor for many gut bacteria. At the same time, repeated antibiotic therapies or major lifestyle changes can affect microbial diversity.
Because every microbiome is individual, microbial patterns also differ significantly between different people.
Modern microbiome analyses help to make these microbial differences visible and to better understand the gut microbiome.
Scientific microbiome analysis
At Bactera, we rely on modern shotgun metagenomics and scientific bioinformatics for high-resolution microbiome analyses.
The analysis is based on:
- modern DNA sequencing
- bioinformatic pipelines
- microbial data analysis
- functional microbiome interpretation
This creates a scientifically sound view of the gut microbiome – considerably deeper than many classic bacterial overviews.
Our platform combines modern sequencing technology with a clear presentation of microbial data.
Who is a microbiome test interesting for?
A microbiome test can be particularly interesting for people who want to engage scientifically with their gut flora and their microbiome.
These include, among others:
- health-conscious individuals
- people after antibiotics
- users interested in nutrition
- people interested in gut health
- microbiome enthusiasts
- people interested in modern microbiome research
For people who want to analyse their gut flora at home, modern shotgun sequencing also offers an exciting opportunity to gain deeper insights into the microbial diversity of the gut.
Important: the analysis serves the educational and scientific interpretation of microbial patterns and does not replace a medical diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions about the home microbiome test
How does a home microbiome test work?
You receive a test kit for sample collection at home and then send the sample back to our laboratory.
What is examined in a gut flora analysis?
Depending on the method, bacterial composition, microbial diversity, fungi, viruses and other microbial patterns can be analysed.
What is shotgun sequencing?
A modern method for the comprehensive analysis of all of the microbial DNA in a sample.
What is the difference between 16S and shotgun?
16S primarily analyses bacterial marker regions. Shotgun sequencing examines the entire microbial DNA.
Can fungi and viruses also be analysed?
Yes, modern shotgun sequencing also enables the analysis of further microbial groups in addition to bacteria.
How long does the analysis take?
The processing time can vary depending on sample arrival and laboratory workflow.
What does the microbiome report show?
The report contains scientific insights into bacterial diversity, microbial composition and other microbiological patterns.
Is the analysis diagnostic?
No. The analysis serves the scientific and educational interpretation of microbial patterns.
How is the sample sent?
The sample is sent to our laboratory using the provided return system.
Why is bacterial diversity important?
In research, a high microbial diversity is considered an important component of a stable microbial ecosystem.
Scientific references
- Huttenhower C et al. Structure, function and diversity of the healthy human microbiome. Nature. 2012.
- Knight R et al. The microbiome and human biology. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2017.
- Quince C et al. Shotgun metagenomics, from sampling to analysis. Nat Biotechnol. 2017.
- Sharpton TJ. An introduction to the analysis of shotgun metagenomic data. Front Plant Sci. 2014.
- Lozupone CA et al. Diversity, stability and resilience of the human gut microbiota. Nature. 2012.