Characterisation of the microbiome at different life stages using optimised sample collection and data processing methods to assist with long-term health

Abstract

This thesis focused on investigating the gut microbiome in early life. Initially, making several improvements to the methods used to generate microbiome data, including both sample collection and the use of quality control samples for data filtering and interpretation. These improvements were then applied to examining the gut microbiome in the early stages of autism, and during the first ever maternal prebiotic intervention designed to modulate the gut microbiome of both mothers and infants.