Chronic kidney disease alters intestinal microbial flora

The population of microbes (microbiome) in the intestine is a symbiotic ecosystem conferring trophic and protective functions. Since the biochemical environment shapes the structure and function of the microbiome, authors of this research work have tested whether uremia and/or dietary and pharmacologic interventions in chronic kidney disease alters the microbiome.

Exploring Bacterial Diversity in Hospital Environments by GS-FLXTitanium Pyrosequencing

Understanding microbial populations in hospital environments is crucial for improving human health. Hospital-acquired infections are an increasing problem in intensive care units (ICU). In this work authors present an exploration of bacterial diversity at inanimate surfaces of the ICU wards of the University Hospital A Coruña (Spain), as an example of confined hospital environment subjected to selective pressure, taking the entrance hall of the hospital, an open and crowded environment, as reference.