2bRAD-M reveals differences in microbial communities between Modic changes and disc herniation.

Background: Modic changes are caused by various factors, such as degenerative processes, inflammation, biomechanical, genetic, and metabolic factors, infection, and smoking. Bacteria have been identified in human intervertebral discs by 16S rRNA sequencing; however, the low microbial biomass in intervertebral disc tissue limits species-level analyses using this approach. In this study, we employed 2bRAD-M (2b Restriction Site Associated DNA sequencing for Microbiome), a new sequencing technology capable of accurately characterizing bacteria, fungi, and archaea in samples with low microbial biomass at species-level resolution. Methods: We surveyed 20 intervertebral disc (IVD) samples, including 10 IVD samples with Modic changes and 10 herniated disc samples. 2bRAD-M was performed to explore whether microbial differences existed between Modic change and herniated disc samples. Results: In total, 332 microbial species were identified, including 75 species shared between the two groups. Enrichment for Conclusion: This study represents the first application of 2bRAD-M to Modic changes and disc herniation, revealing significant differences in microbial taxa between the two groups. These results suggest that microbial dysbiosis in the intervertebral disc is associated with Modic changes and provide candidate targets for further studies of the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of Modic changes.