Microorganisms in the body, also termed as human microbiome, play a role in human health and disease. A study, Human Microbiome Project (HMP), is dedicated in finding out what microorganisms contribute to good health and what cause certain diseases.
The project, in its initial stage, has in its data base analyses of 178 microbial genomes. It is then used as a standard to identify microorganisms in samples collected from healthy human bodies and those that have illnesses. Samples are found in the digestive tract, mouth, vagina, nose, and skin. Microbial DNA with distinct signature is matched with the genetic sequences found in the project’s database. This is one of the primary goals of the study and a new genomic technology makes this possible. Genomes found in microorganisms can be traced if they already exist.
As a result, out of 16.8 million microbial sequences found in public databases, 62 genomes are similar with 11.3 million sequences in the HMP collection, 6.9 million of which matched the sequences in the database. It shows how complex and diverse microorganisms are claimed Dr. Jane Peterson, Associate Director, HMP leader.
“We are only at the very beginning of a fascinating voyage that will transform how we diagnose, treat and ultimately, prevent many health conditions,” said Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director, National Institute of Health.
This initial study focused mainly on bacteria and will delve into more microbes and viruses in the future.
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