Microbial Sequencing Methods
Simple Microbial Sequencing Solutions
Gain critical genetic insight into bacteria and viruses with microbial sequencing. Whether you are performing metagenomics studies, or monitoring disease outbreaks, our broad base of microbial next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods will help you discover answers, faster and more efficiently than you ever thought possible.
User-friendly reagents and software allow you move seamlessly though the sequencing workflow, from sample preparation to biological interpretation of data. Learn more about a variety of microbial sequencing methods below.
Explore Microbial Sequencing Methods
16S and ITS rRNA Sequencing
16S and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing are common amplicon sequencing methods used to identify and compare bacteria or fungi present within a given sample, and can identify strains that may not be found using traditional methods.
Learn More About 16s and ITS rRNA SequencingShotgun Metagenomics
With the ability to combine many microbial sequencing samples in a single run and obtain high sequence coverage per sample, shotgun metagenomic sequencing can detect very low abundance members of the microbial community that may be missed with other methods.
Learn More About Metagenomic SequencingMicrobial Transcriptome Analysis
Unlike hybridization-based methods such as microarrays, microbial RNA sequencing enables unbiased strand-specific identification of common and novel transcripts.
Learn More About Microbial TranscriptomicsWhole-Genome Microbial Sequencing
NGS-based whole-genome sequencing (WGS) allows microbiology researchers to sequence hundreds of organisms with the power of multiplexing. Unlike traditional methods, no labor-intensive cloning steps are needed.
Learn More About Microbial WGSRecent Microbial Sequencing Research Stories
Podcast stories explore unusual and surprising applications of genomics
Illumina partners with Naked Genetics to engage audiences in the world of next-generation sequencing
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The Time is Now for Microbiome Studies
Whole-genome shotgun sequencing and transcriptomics provide researchers and pharmaceutical companies with data to refine drug discovery and development.
Read Interview
Reaching new heights in data quality and throughput on a benchtop sequencer
At AGBT 2024, Illumina presented several studies, highlighting improvements to NextSeq Systems and more
Read articleMethods Guide
Access the information you need—from BeadChips to library preparation for genome, transcriptome, or epigenome studies to sequencer selection, analysis, and support—all in one place. Select the best tools for your lab with our comprehensive guide designed specifically for research applications.
Access Guide
Microbial Genomics Products
Access a comprehensive list of products for sequencing whole microbial genomes, mRNA, environmental samples, targeted regions, custom-selected regions, protein-binding regions, and more.
View ProductsEbola Virus Sequencing
Illumina sequencing enables microbial researchers to track Ebola outbreaks and understand the impact of the virus’s rapid mutation rate.
Additional Tips
Find More Microbiology-Specific Content
The user-friendly "Recommended Links" feature allows you to easily find content and products relevant to microbial genomics and/or other specific field of interest. You can access this option from the top of any illumina.com page.
Learn HowExplore Resources & Tools for New Users
We offer training and everything else for your workflow, from start to finish. From learning about our technology to making sense of your data, purchasing what you need, and getting support, we'll set you up for success.
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Featured Resources
NGS-Based Microbial Sequencing
View an introduction to next-generation sequencing (NGS) and its applications for microbiology.
Viral Sequencing Research Review
Read highlights from recent publications that demonstrate the use of Illumina sequencing technologies in virology.
Microbial Genomics Overview Brochure
Empowering microbial genomics with powerful bionformatic tools.
NGS Workflows for Microbiology
Find out about comprehensive sequencing workflow solutions to profile microbial populations, their evolution and function.