Study of the microbiota of paired human appendix and rectal samples

The function of the appendix is largely unknown, but its associated microbiota likely contributes to the appendix function. Alterations in microbiota may play a role in appendicitis, but conventional culture studies have not yielded conclusive information. We conducted a pilot, culture-independent 16S rRNA-based study of the microbiota of paired appendix and rectal samples.