Microbial Genomics
Illumina next-generation sequencing takes you inside microbiology
Putting the big picture into focus by revealing the smallest of details
Characterize un-culturable organisms. Discover entirely new viruses. Develop new strategies to control outbreaks. Monitor host-pathogen interactions.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is opening new doors in microbial genomics, revealing fresh insight into how microbes impact humans and the environment.
- See how NGS enables a broad range of microbial genomics studies. View Video.
- Explore how NGS is transforming infectious disease surveillance, characterization, and outbreak responses. Learn More.
- Learn how Dr. Ramunas Stepanauskas uses single-cell sequencing on Illumina systems to uncover hidden diversity and biogeographic variability in marine microorganisms. Read Case Study (PDF).
Through the power and high resolution of Illumina technology, you can now understand the genetic makeup of organisms that were previously impossible to study—helping you examine microbial biological functions, track genetic changes, rapidly respond to outbreaks, monitor food sources, and more.
Illumina offers technology and support to enhance your microbiology and infectious disease research. Learn more 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. Read Brochure (PDF).
COVID-19 Sequencing
Next-generation sequencing is uniquely positioned in an infectious disease surveillance and outbreak model. Explore methods and find solutions to detect and characterize SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens, track transmission routes, study co-infection, and investigate viral evolution.
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Recent Microbial Genomics Research
Zurich lab imagines new possibilities in microbial research and diagnostics
In the fast-moving, ever-evolving field of medical microbiology, a team of scientists gets a boost from the new Illumina MiSeq i100
Read article
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
Washington, DC’s secret weapon for RSV surveillance
The Illumina Microbial Amplicon Prep simplifies a public health laboratory’s efforts to track the virus
Read article
NGS Workflow Finder
Take the guesswork out of your next workflow. The NGS Workflow Finder provides personalized solution recommendations and resources so you can sequence with confidence.
Find your NGS workflow todayEmpowering access for groundbreaking genomic discoveries
Illumina benchtop sequencing systems are making NGS technology more accessible to laboratories worldwide. Learn how these systems provide the speed, power, and flexibility to make breakthroughs in microbiology, cancer research, and more. The MiSeq i100 Series or NextSeq 1000 and NextSeq 2000 Systems can help make your NGS research goals within reach.
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Featured Products
NovaSeq Reagent Kits
Reagent kits for the NovaSeq 6000 System provide ready-to-use cartridge-based reagents for cluster generation and SBS.
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MiSeq System and Reagents
The MiSeq benchtop sequencer enables targeted and microbial genome applications, with high-quality sequencing, simple data analysis, and cloud storage.
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Nextera XT and Nextera DNA Flex
Prepare sequencing libraries for small genomes, amplicons, plasmids, and other applications.
View ProductIn Hot Water with Extremophiles
Dr Brian Hedlund uses genomics to study the microbes that populate hot springs. He is discovering new classes of organisms, learning how to culture microbes that would not have been culturable without genomic information, and learning new insights about microbial life.
View Video
Educational Resources
Beginner's Guide to NGS
These educational resources cover key topics in next-generation sequencing designed for beginners. Learn the basics of NGS and find tips for getting started.
Illumina Resources & Tools
Find education and assistance for your genomics workflow, from start to finish. Find tools to glean insight from the data, then purchase what you need and get access to support.
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Additional Resources
CMOS Chip and One-Channel SBS Chemistry
CMOS technology and innovative one-channel SBS chemistry combine for highly accurate data.
The MiSeq System and the American Gut Project
This "citizen science" project uses NGS to help people examine their own microbiomes.
Overview: NGS for Microbiology
View an introduction to NGS and its applications for microbiology.
Library Prep and Array Kit Selector
Find the right sequencing library prep kit or microarray for your needs. Compare similar kits or view further details.
Automated Methods for Metagenomic Analyses
Dr Russ Carmical discusses the benefits of using automated 16S rRNA and whole-genome sequencing methods for microbial genomics.
NGS for HIV Tropism Studies
Deep sequencing enables microbiology researchers to study HIV tropism and how it changes during infection.
TELL-Seq: Bringing Speed and Accuracy to Long-Range Sequencing
TELL-Seq technology is a simple library prep solution which enables Illumina NGS systems to generate highly accurate and economical long-range sequencing information.