A Method for Determining Taxonomical Contributions to Group Differences in Microbiomic Investigations

Here we show how one can decompose the contribution of different levels of taxonomic classification in terms of their impact on differences in the microbiota when comparing two groups. First we demonstrate a difficulty in trying to estimate taxonomic effects at multiple levels simultaneously and demonstrate an approach to determining which taxa have differences in means that are identified. We then develop a model based on an approach that is popular in the RNA-Seq analysis literature and apply it to the problem of determining which taxa differ between two patient groups. This model provides a more powerful method than simpler alternatives. A Bayesian computational strategy is used to obtain exact inference. Simulation studies indicate that the procedure works as intended, and an application to the study of COPD demonstrates the method's practical utility. Software is provided for implementing the method.