Rarefaction curves obtained for clone libraries from healthy controls and FMF patients.

<p>The rarefaction curves were generated by plotting the number of phylotypes (defined at 99% level) against the number of clones sequenced. The shape of the curves of observed phylotype richness indicates a trend of diminishing chance of finding new phylotypes as the sampling continues. Data for library in attack were extrapolated by empiric regression function a×x²b×exp(−c×x). Coefficient of regression determination (R²) was 99.9%. Regression statistics: adjusted R² – 0.9991; standard error – 0.1720; a = 1.8690; b = 0.7104; c = 8.0466E-04. Healthy controls are shown in dark blue; FMF patients in remission – in red and attack – in green, the extrapolated curve is shown in light blue.