Gain key insights into bacteria and viruses with microbial sequencing

From metagenomics studies to monitoring disease outbreaks, NGS helps you discover answers faster

Simple microbial sequencing solutions

Gain critical genetic insight into bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites 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 to move seamlessly though the sequencing workflow, from sample preparation to biological interpretation of data. Learn how the methods below can help provide the microbial insights you need.

Female scientist, side view, standing in front of NextSeq 1000/2000, inserting cartridge, two other scientists blurry in the background

Explore microbial sequencing methods

16S and ITS rRNA sequencing

Learn how 16S and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing can be used to identify and compare bacteria or fungi present within a given sample.

Shotgun metagenomics

See how this method enables microbiologists to evaluate bacterial diversity, detect the abundance of microbes in various environments, and study unculturable microorganisms that are otherwise difficult or impossible to analyze.

Whole-genome microbial sequencing

Learn why microbial whole-genome sequencing is an important tool for mapping genomes of novel organisms, finishing genomes of known organisms, or comparing genomes across multiple samples. 

Targeted microbial sequencing

Learn about targeted sequencing methods that can increase sensitivity and resolution without having to culture your samples.

Metatranscriptome sequencing

Learn how to collectively study expressed mRNA from complex microbial communities.  This method also allows researchers to gain important insights on how microbes respond to a given environment at a specific time.

Featured microbial research sequencing stories

The future of precision metagenomics for infectious diseases

This article highlights the use of precision metagenomics to detect and quantify hundreds of organisms and pathogens, as well as thousands of antimicrobial resistance markers. In addition, learn how a fully automated data analysis platform produces customized reports for actionable results.

Additional resources

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Fast, flexible library prep with IMAP

In this video, Illumina Scientist Jeff Koble provides an overview of the Illumina Microbial Amplicon Prep assay, detailing tips and tricks to help ensure successful preparation of libraries.

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Simple and efficient IMAP analysis with DRAGEN Targeted Microbial App

Illumina Bioinformatics Scientist Soo Bin Kwon demonstrates how DRAGEN Targeted Microbial enables comprehensive analysis of microbial targets sequenced with IMAP.

NGS sequencing

Illumina offers technology and support to enhance your microbiology and infectious disease research. In this brochure, learn about NGS workflows and solutions based on your microbes of interest, sample types, and questions you want to answer with optimized end-to-end solutions.

Microbial genomics products

Access a comprehensive list of products for sequencing whole microbial genomes, mRNA, environmental samples, targeted regions, custom-selected regions, and more.

Get in touch

Interested in learning more about microbial sequencing methods?