Comprehensive gut microbiome profiling using 16S Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology.
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The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that plays a fundamental role in maintaining health, influencing digestion, metabolism, immune function, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Today, microbiome assessment extends beyond the detection of individual microorganisms, focusing instead on a comprehensive understanding of the structure, balance, and functional dynamics of the microbial ecosystem.
EnteroScan® NGS utilizes 16S Next-Generation Sequencing (16S NGS) technology to provide comprehensive gut microbiome profiling, delivering detailed information on microbial composition, biodiversity, ecological interactions, and functional characteristics. Depending on the selected test version, this analysis is complemented by targeted molecular, biochemical, and microscopic markers, offering a comprehensive laboratory assessment of gut health.
16S Next-Generation Sequencing (16S NGS) technology is not designed to answer a single diagnostic question. Instead, it provides a comprehensive overview of the gut microbial ecosystem. Rather than focusing solely on the presence or absence of specific microorganisms, it evaluates the composition, biodiversity, ecological interactions, and functional characteristics of the microbiome, generating insights that cannot be obtained through targeted testing alone.
Targeted molecular assays remain the preferred approach when the objective is the detection or quantification of a specific microorganism. In contrast, when a comprehensive evaluation of the gut microbiome is required, 16S NGS, combined with advanced bioinformatics tools, provides a much broader level of information, enabling comprehensive characterization and interpretation of the microbial ecosystem.
What Does the Test Evaluate?
Gut microbiome analysis using 16S Next-Generation Sequencing (16S NGS) provides multidimensional insights into the composition, organization, and functional characteristics of the microbial ecosystem. Rather than simply identifying the microorganisms present in the sample, the analysis evaluates multiple aspects of microbial ecology and function.
- Microbial composition. The test identifies the microorganisms that comprise the gut microbiome and determines their relative abundance within the overall microbial community. This information forms the foundation for understanding microbiome structure and identifying potential alterations in microbial balance.
- Biodiversity. Biodiversity reflects both the richness and distribution of microorganisms within the microbiome. Its assessment contributes to the evaluation of the stability and resilience of the microbial ecosystem in response to factors such as antibiotic use, dietary changes, or various pathological conditions.
- Ecological indices. Ecological indices assess how microbial populations are organized and interact with one another. By evaluating the balance between different microbial groups, these indices reveal ecological characteristics that may not be apparent from microbial composition alone.
- Functional indices. Functional indices evaluate the metabolic and functional potential of the microbiome, providing insights into important biological processes such as metabolite production, nutrient metabolism, and other functions involved in host–microbiome interactions.
- Composite indices. Composite indices integrate multiple microbiological and bioinformatic parameters to provide an overall assessment of specific characteristics of the microbial ecosystem. This facilitates the interpretation of complex datasets and supports a more comprehensive evaluation of the microbiome.
EnteroScan® NGS Plus combines comprehensive gut microbiome profiling using 16S Next-Generation Sequencing (16S NGS) with molecular detection of Candida spp. and the three most common intestinal parasites, together with basic biochemical, macroscopic, and microscopic stool analysis. The test also includes selected biochemical markers that provide additional information on intestinal inflammation, exocrine pancreatic function, mucosal immunity, and microbial metabolic activity.
Who Is It Intended For?
EnteroScan® NGS gut microbiome analysis can be a valuable tool in the clinical evaluation of individuals requiring a comprehensive assessment of gut health and microbiome composition. Test results should always be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's medical history, clinical presentation, and other laboratory findings.
The test may be particularly useful in the following situations:
- Persistent or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation).
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Assessment following repeated or prolonged antibiotic use.
- Support for personalized nutritional or functional medicine interventions.
- Investigation of factors potentially associated with metabolic disorders or chronic low-grade inflammation.
- Monitoring changes in the gut microbiome following dietary or therapeutic interventions.
The interpretation of EnteroScan® NGS findings should always be performed within the context of the individual's overall clinical evaluation. Test results can support healthcare professionals in developing personalized strategies for investigation, monitoring, and intervention according to each individual's needs.
The test can be a valuable tool for:
- Physicians across various medical specialties seeking a comprehensive assessment of the gut microbiome as part of the clinical evaluation.
- Dietitians and Nutritionists, supporting the design of personalized nutritional interventions and monitoring patient response.
- Healthcare professionals practicing functional, preventive, and personalized medicine, as a complementary tool for assessing factors related to gut microbiome function.
EnteroScan® NGS Plus is not intended for the diagnosis of specific diseases. Instead, it provides a comprehensive evaluation of the gut microbial ecosystem, generating clinically relevant information that may support a personalized approach to patient assessment. It is ideally suited for situations where, in addition to comprehensive gut microbiome profiling, a more comprehensive assessment of intestinal function is required.
All EnteroScan® NGS versions are based on the same advanced 16S Next-Generation Sequencing technology for gut microbiome profiling. They differ in the additional biochemical markers included alongside the microbiome analysis, providing different levels of functional assessment of the gastrointestinal system.
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