Metagenomic Microbiomix Analaysis

  • Microbiomix offers metagenomic shotgun/ whole genome sequencing to assess your patient's complete gut microbiome as well as its potential function. Metagenomics is considered the gold standard method to study the gut microbiota.

    Genova is proud to offer this to you and your patients in collaboration with Microba, who have world-leading technology in metagenomic analysis and interpretation.

    Microbiomix is available as a stand-alone profile or as an add-on to GI Effects Comprehensive Profile. Microbiomix complements the information provided on the GI Effects. This additional information may reveal treatable abnormalities that are not seen on GI Effects.

  • Increased species detection

    The Microbiomix platform detects bacteria, fungi, protists, and archaea amounting to over 28,000 species. Each person's microbiome contains over 200 species, all listed in the personalized report.

    • Includes identification of species that may confer pathogenic potential, such as Bacteroides fragilis and the fragilysin toxin.

    • Microbiomix assesses gas producing organisms including methane-producers and hydrogen sulfide-producers.

    • The Microbiomix platform identifies newly discovered species that may not be well known to science and can see how they may be contributing to overall health.

    Deeper insight into the microbiome's function

    Microbiomix assesses the genetic potential to form unique metabolites such as hexa-LPS, TMA, histamine, vitamin production, branched chain amino acids, urease, GABA, hydrogen sulfide, and many others - thus providing MORE information to help understand a patient's condition.

    • Many metabolites can be transported across the intestinal barrier and into the body's circulation. Microbial metabolites interact with our nervous system, immune, and metabolic functions to influence our overall health.

    • Some of these metabolites promote good health while others promote inflammation and disease.

    Shannon Diversity Index

    This metric is well-represented in the literature and is used to assess overall microbiome health. A diverse microbiome is ideal and is associated with greater health.

    Specific, actionable recommendations

    Tailored recommendations improve microbiome health which can influence overall health.

    • Easy-to-understand descriptions on how to modify microbiome potential with diet

    • Summary page recommending targeted prebiotics and foods

  • Gut microbiome research has revealed the impact the gut has on every system in the body. The metabolites produced by the microbiome are bioactive and influence human health. Microbiomix offers a broader look at the microbiome's ability to produce these metabolites and therefore potentially prevent future chronic disease and promote optimal health.

    Clinicians often order stool testing to assess GI symptoms such as:

    • Diarrhea

    • Constipation

    • Gas

    • Bloating

    • Abdominal discomfort

    • Indigestion

    Additionally, since it is becoming recognized that the gut microbiome influences overall health, clinicians are beginning to look to the gut for numerous other health conditions including:

    • Allergies/asthma

    • Cardiovascular disease

    • Mood disorders (i.e., depression)

    • Autoimmune disease

    • Metabolic diseases (i.e., insulin resistance, diabetes)

    • Nutritional deficiencies

  • Largest Organism Library

    Metagenomic analysis heavily depends on reference databases. Genova leverages Microba's Analysis Platform, which is unmatched in the industry with the ability to detect over 28,000 species.

    • The reference database contains several tens of thousands of microorganisms, many of which do not exist in public databases. This enables our analysis to identify at least 25% more DNA than other metagenomic classifiers with access to a faster, more accurate approach than other analysis methods.2

    • This growing microbial genome database uses the most scientifically advanced microbial taxonomy and complete database of bacterial and archaeal genomes currently available.

    • Regular updates to this world-leading database with new genomes enables improved species identification from samples.

    • Whole genome sequencing is a complete microbiome assessment detecting bacteria, fungi, protists, and archaea. While PCR can be helpful for known pathogens, mutations will not be detected. PCR can also be limited in the ability to detect every organism.

    Superior Analytical Performance

    Validity and accuracy studies show superior performance compared to other platforms.

    • Depth of sequencing the DNA is important for complete analysis. Reducing the depth of sequencing by performing fewer reads can reduce cost, however, it also compromises the quality. Genova performs a complete analysis of a patient's microbiome to deliver the highest quality information.

    • Metagenomics assesses DNA, whereas metatranscriptomics assesses RNA. DNA is more stable to assess. RNA provides a snapshot in time and may not be indicative of the long-term microbiome status.

    Built-In Clinical Application

    Microbiomix offers the most clinically relevant information about microbiome function and key organisms.

    • Easy-to-understand report

    • Clinically actionable metabolites

    • Evidence-based recommendations

    • Continuous lifetime report updates as the science advances

  • Microbiomix offers the most complete microbiome test with actionable results. Dietary changes, supplements and lifestyle changes can all beneficially impact gut health and improve test results. Patients can lead an improved quality of life as their GI concerns are resolved.