Characterization of bacteria, clostridia and Bacteroides in faeces of vegetarians using qPCR and PCR-DGGE fingerprinting.

Background/aims: This study aimed to investigate the quantitative and qualitative changes of bacteria, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium cluster IV in faecal microbiota associated with a vegetarian diet.

Methods: Bacterial abundances were measured in faecal samples of 15 vegetarians and 14 omnivores using quantitative PCR. Diversity was assessed with PCR-DGGE fingerprinting, principal component analysis (PCA) and Shannon diversity index.

Combined PCR-DGGE fingerprinting and quantitative-PCR indicates shifts in fecal population sizes and diversity of Bacteroides, bifidobacteria and Clostridium cluster IV in institutionalized elderly.

Aims: This study aimed at determining ageing-related shifts in diversity and composition of key members of the fecal microbiota by comparing institutionalized elderly (n = 17, 78-94 years) and young volunteers (n = 17, 18-31 years).

Methods And Results: A combination of molecular methods was used to characterize the diversity and relative abundance of total gastro-intestinal flora, along with relevant subsets within the genera Bacteroides, bifidobacteria and Clostridium cluster IV. The institutionalized elderly harbored significantly higher numbers of Bacteroides cells than control (28.

Vegetarian diet affects genes of oxidative metabolism and collagen synthesis.

Background/aim: A vegetarian diet is known to prevent a series of diseases but may influence the balance of carbohydrate and fat metabolism as well as collagen synthesis. This study compares expression patterns of relevant genes in oral mucosa of omnivores and vegetarians.

Methods: Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was applied for analysis of mRNA levels from carnitine transporter OCTN2, hepatic CPT1A and nonhepatic CPT1B isoforms of carnitine palmitoyltransferase and collagen (CCOL2A1) in oral mucosa.

DGGE and real-time PCR analysis of lactic acid bacteria in bacterial communities of the phyllosphere of lettuce.

Food associated indigenous microbial communities exert antagonistic effects on pathogens and may routinely deliver health relevant microorganisms to the GI tract. By using molecular, culture independent methods including PCR-DGGE of 16S rDNA-coding regions and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) as well as BIOLOG metabolic fingerprinting, microbial communities on lettuce were analyzed in samples from fields, from supermarkets and soil. Amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences (57.

Preanalytic removal of human DNA eliminates false signals in general 16S rDNA PCR monitoring of bacterial pathogens in blood.

PCR detection of microbial pathogens in blood from patients is a promising issue for rapid diagnosis of sepsis and early targeted therapy. However, for PCR assays detecting all bacterial groups, broad range primers, in particular the 16S rDNA targeting primers have to be used. Upcoming false signals and reduced sensitivity are a common problem as a consequence of unspecific amplification reactions with the human DNA background.