Human gut microbiome profiling using different stool collection devices
This study investigates the impact of different stool collection devices and homogenization strategies on human gut microbiome profiling. Paired fecal samples from healthy adult volunteers were collected and processed using fresh stool and multiple swab-based devices. Microbial community profiles were generated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 region) to assess the effect of pre-analytical variables on sequencing outcomes.