# What statistical test is best for my biological problem?

I have a dataset that has abundance of different bacteria in different mice type. Let’s say mice are called: sw/c57, sw/sw, c57/c57 and c57/sw. The fecal samples of these mice have been analyzed and the number of present bacteria in their fecal samples is available. Now I want to find those bacteria that are significantly different in any of the mice type. E.g. Prevotela is significantly different in c57/c57 comparing to other mice.

An example of my dataset:

           sw/sw    sw/c57    c57/c57    c57/sw
Roseburia  500      141       0          589
Prevotela  300      131       237        288


Each mice type has 10 replicates.

What kind of statistical test I should use to analyze my data?

Thanks!

• Are you trying to compare proportions? – Glen_b Jun 27 '14 at 10:31
• No I am comparing the absolute values. But I don't know if I should compare proportions instead? – Rozita Akrami Jun 27 '14 at 11:47
• The main question is if we can find any differences between mice in any bacteria. – Rozita Akrami Jun 27 '14 at 11:47
• Whether you are interested in the raw counts or proportions is up to you - it depends on the specific question you're trying to answer. It sounds like a difference even in the total count across mice would matter. – Glen_b Jun 27 '14 at 16:00