Identifying a Human-Associated TM7 Bacterium in Wastewater
Author Information
Author(s): Dinis Jorge M., Barton David E., Ghadiri Jamsheed, Surendar Deepa, Reddy Kavitha, Velasquez Fernando, Chaffee Carol L., Lee Mei-Chong Wendy, Gavrilova Helen, Ozuna Hazel, Smits Samuel A., Ouverney Cleber C.
Primary Institution: San Jose State University
Hypothesis
Can an uncultured TM7 bacterium associated with humans be identified in environmental samples?
Conclusion
The study successfully identified a TM7-like bacterium in wastewater that shares high genetic similarity with human-associated TM7 bacteria.
Supporting Evidence
- The TM7-like bacterium was detected in wastewater over two years of sampling.
- FISH technique provided the first images of TM7a-like cells.
- TM7 concentration in wastewater was found to be up to five times greater than in human oral sites.
- Statistical analysis showed significant differences in TM7 populations across sampling sites.
Takeaway
Scientists found a type of bacteria in wastewater that is very similar to bacteria found in humans, which could help us understand more about these bacteria's roles in health.
Methodology
The study used molecular techniques, including 16S rDNA gene sequencing, quantitative PCR, and fluorescence in situ hybridization to analyze wastewater samples.
Potential Biases
Possible bias due to low relative abundance of TM7a-like in samples.
Limitations
Limited sampling and potential contamination from human-associated bacteria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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