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Molecular methods for exploring the intestinal ecosystem

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

G. W. Tannock
G. W. Tannock*
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
*
*Corresponding author: G. W. Tannock, fax +64 3 479 8540, email [email protected]
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Abstract

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Molecular methods have provided renewed impetus for the analysis of the composition of the intestinal microflora in health and disease. The polymerase chain reaction coupled with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis provides a method whereby the bacterial communities in large numbers of samples can be compared efficiently and effectively. Altered bacterial populations associated with disease states can then be targeted for further investigation. In the long-term, an ‘abnormal microflora’ might be rectified by the use of probiotics or prebiotics.

Keywords

Intestinal microfloraMolecular methodsAnalysis
Type
Research Article
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 87 , Issue S2 , May 2002 , pp. S199 - S201
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2002

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