Confounding Factors in Ocular Surface Microbiome Research
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Ocular Surface Microbiome
- Sponsor
- Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
- Enrollment
- 450
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in richness and evenness of distribution of the microbial flora, measured as operational taxonomic units, over time
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- last year
Overview
Brief Summary
To elucidate confounding factors in ocular surface microbiome research and to confirm the presence of a core ocular surface microbiome and its temporal stability.
Detailed Description
The investigator will take a conjunctival sample of both eyes of a group of volunteers together with an extensive questionnaire. Furthermore, 50 volunteers will be sampled repeatedly during one year or two years.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •The subject is fluent in written and verbal Dutch
- •The subject is capable of giving informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •Use of glaucoma drops
- •Use of antibiotic drops \< 1 month before sampling
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in richness and evenness of distribution of the microbial flora, measured as operational taxonomic units, over time
Time Frame: 20 minutes for the first sample and questionnaire, 5 minutes for all other visits
A conjunctival swab will be taken on different points in time to investigate the temporal stability of the conjunctival microbial flora
Richness and evenness of distribution of the microbial flora measured as operational taxonomic units on a single moment
Time Frame: 20 minutes for samples and filling the questionnaires
A conjunctival swab and extensive questionnaire will be taken to search for a core ocular surface microbiome and confounding factors