FISH-FC approach showed a phylogenetic gap ranging from 22.89% to 37.40% of total bacteria for the four time points. A similar bacterial coverage was reported by Fallani et al using the same method, where the sum of bacterial cells detected were 72.7% ± 24.5% [10] and 74.3% ± 18.9% [45] with a panel of 10 non-overlapping probes.

We acknowledge that the molecular techniques applied in this study do not permit a thorough description of the bacterial population inhabiting the human colon. Future studies would aim to utilize deep sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes so as to delve in depth the bacterial communities populating the human microbiome [46, 47]. Their greater depths of sampling offer the opportunity to explore within the phylogenetic gap and beyond, therefore allowing high-resolution association studies involving the bacterial populations of the human microbiome #CP673451 clinical trial randurls[1|1|,|CHEM1|]# as “”quantitative traits”". Conclusions In conclusion, we have shown that variations in term of relative abundance in infant fecal microbiota are discernable for bacterial groups between two Asian populations of different geographical locations. The differences in the stool microbiota were partly explained by certain AZD5582 chemical structure lifestyle and clinical factors. These features may confound studies relating to the association of stool microbiota and the predisposition to disease,

and should be an important confounder to take note for comparative studies that enrol large population cohort across different geographical origins. Methods Subject recruitment and study design The SG at risk of atopy cohort (n = 42) is a subgroup selected from the placebo arm (n = 112) of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial on the administration of probiotics supplemented cow’s milk-based infant formula for 6 months on the prevention

of eczema and allergic diseases. The placebo group of the study received the same cow’s milk-based infant formula LY294002 without probiotics. This study was conducted at National University of Hospital, Singapore (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00318695) [48]. The Indonesia at risk of atopy cohort (n = 32) was selected from a birth cohort study (n = 66) recruited from expectant mothers who visited Gadjah Mada University Hospital, Yogyakarta. The inclusion criteria for both cohorts were 1) first-degree relative with a history of allergic disorder as confirmed by a doctor’s diagnosis of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eczema and a positive skin prick test to any of a panel of common dust mite allergens, which are the most important inhalant allergens in our atopic population [49]; 2) gestational age above 35 wk and birth weight above 2 kg; 3) absence of major congenital malformations or major illness at birth; 4) deemed to be in good health based on medical history and physical examination; and 5) the family assessed to be able to complete the trial.