MedPath

Microbiome Analysis of Skin and Airway Samples and Effect of Face Masks

Conditions
Healthy
Registration Number
NCT04894422
Lead Sponsor
University Hospital, Antwerp
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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
100
Inclusion Criteria
  • Adult age 18 at the start of the study
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pregnant women

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Optimalization of microbiome analysis of skin and upper airway samplesStart

16S rRNA sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing

Change from baseline in microbiome composition of the skin and upper airways after wearing a face maskStart, 4 hours

16S rRNA sequencing

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Antwerp and University Hospital Antwerp

🇧🇪

Antwerp, Belgium

University of Antwerp and University Hospital Antwerp
🇧🇪Antwerp, Belgium
Sarah Lebeer, Professor
Principal Investigator
Lize Delanghe
Contact
+32 3 265 32 17
lize.delanghe@uantwerpen.be
Ilke De Boeck, Doctor
Sub Investigator
Eline Cauwenberghs, PhD student
Sub Investigator
Lize Delanghe, PhD student
Sub Investigator

MedPath

Empowering clinical research with data-driven insights and AI-powered tools.

© 2025 MedPath, Inc. All rights reserved.