Clinical studies of the human microbiome. Strategies for applying methods and translating results into clinical practice: A review

Abstract

Current omics methods, which are essential for scientific research, are overviewed. These methods enable studies of the mechanisms of clinical manifestations by analyzing the relationship between the microbiota characteristics and clinical parameters. To represent the complex interactions between the microbiome and host metabolism, metagenomics and metabolomics techniques that contribute to the search for new therapeutic approaches are most relevant. Based on the metagenomic data, the associated taxa are searched, and the metabolic profile indicates the result of the activity of the microbial community. The characteristics of technologies for studying metagenomes using the amplicon sequencing method are considered, and the depth of identification of microorganisms, the level of sequencing errors and the preference in terms of cost are evaluated. Studying the evolution of pathogens and metabolic processes, expressed genes, and determinants of antibiotic resistance contributes to the development of rational strategies for disease therapy and control of the spread of infectious diseases. In recent years, the number of scientific projects in the field of microbiota research has been steadily increasing, which necessitates the need to raise physicians' awareness of modern methods and research approaches in order to apply relevant data in practical work.