Viral diversity and dynamics in an infant gut

Res Microbiol. 2008 Jun;159(5):367-73. doi: 10.1016/j.resmic.2008.04.006. Epub 2008 May 1.

Abstract

Metagenomic sequencing of DNA viruses from the feces of a healthy week-old infant revealed a viral community with extremely low diversity. The identifiable sequences were dominated by phages, which likely influence the diversity and abundance of co-occurring microbes. The most abundant fecal viral sequences did not originate from breast milk or formula, suggesting a non-dietary initial source of viruses. Certain sequences were stable in the infant's gut over the first 3 months of life, but microarray experiments demonstrated that the overall viral community composition changed dramatically between 1 and 2 weeks of age.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biodiversity*
  • DNA Viruses / classification*
  • DNA Viruses / genetics
  • DNA Viruses / isolation & purification*
  • DNA Viruses / ultrastructure
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Feces / virology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / virology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Food / analysis
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

Substances

  • DNA, Viral