Healthy
Conditions
Keywords
skin microbiome, 16S amplicon sequencing, face masks, upper airway microbiome, shotgun sequencing
Brief summary
The goal of this study is to optimize two methods for microbiome analysis of skin and upper airway samples (16S amplicon sequencing and Shotgun sequencing). In addition, the researchers will investigate whether there is an effect of wearing a face mask on the microbial communities of the skin and upper airways. The volunteers will self-collect swabs of the skin and upper airways (nose and/or throat). Bacterial DNA and/or total RNA will be isolated and the microbial communities will be investigated with 16S amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
Interventions
Voluntarily (not) wearing a face mask (cotton or surgical) for 4 hours, following the government's guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sponsors
Universiteit Antwerpen
University Hospital, Antwerp
Study design
Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Adult age 18 at the start of the study
Exclusion criteria
* Pregnant women
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Optimalization of microbiome analysis of skin and upper airway samples | Start | 16S rRNA sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing |
| Change from baseline in microbiome composition of the skin and upper airways after wearing a face mask | Start, 4 hours | 16S rRNA sequencing |
Countries
Belgium
Contacts
Primary ContactSarah Lebeer, Prof.
Backup ContactVeronique Verhoeven, Prof. Dr.
Outcome results
None listed