Diversity of Gut Microbiota and Bifidobacterial Community of Chinese Subjects of Different Ages and from Different Regions

摘要

Gut microbiota composition and functionality are closely linked to host health. In this study, the fecal microbiota and bifidobacterial communities of 111 healthy volunteers from four regions of China of varying age profiles (Child, 1–5 years; Young, 18–50 years; Elder, 60–80 years; Longevity, ≥90 years) were investigated via high-throughput sequencing. Canonical analysis revealed that the gut microbiota, as well as bifidobacteria profiles of the subjects, clustered according to their regions and age. Eight genera were shared among all subjects, however, certain genera distributed differently in subjects grouped by region and age. was enriched in samples from Zhongxiang, unclassified and were enriched in the Longevity group, and was enriched in Child. Within , was the most abundant species in almost all samples except for Child, in which was the most abundant. Additionally, the abundances of and were lower in Child. In conclusion, our results suggest that geography and age affect the structure of the gut microbiota, as well as composition, and this variation may greatly associate with the metabolic and immune changes that occur during the process of aging.