Spatial analysis of intestinal microbiota in healthy subjects

Research on the human intestinal microbiota is common as there is rising evidence of its influence on host physiology and several diseases. Predominantly, it has been based on analyses of faecal samples because of their easy sampling. Not much is known about the spatial differences in microbiota composition along the large bowel. The spatial differences of the gut microbiota at anatomically defined landmarks under physiological conditions, without preparation of the bowel, have not yet been analysed on a healthy population.This study aims to gain knowledge of the microbial composition of samples at different segments of the lower gastrointestinal tract, as well as of rectal swabs and faecal samples.