Fig. 2

Sequence index plots indicate the progression of community state types (CSTs) over time for each subject. Subjects are stratified along the y-axis and sorted in descending order by gestational age at birth. Post-menstrual age (PMA) in weeks is indicated along the x-axis. The period of sampling for each individual is colored, with colors indicating the observed CST in a given time period. The time point of each observation is rounded down to the week in which the sample was taken, and the surrounding period of time is colored according to the CST of the sample, with color changes occurring at the midpoint between consecutive samples in which different CSTs were observed. For each subject, the black region on the left indicates the period prior to birth and the white region on the right indicates the period after the last sample was taken. In all three body sites, strong temporal structure and ordered patterns of CST progression are evident. For example, CSTs 1, 2, and 6 are overrepresented during the period prior to 40 weeks PMA in the nose, gut, and throat, respectively