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.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Voluntarily (not) wearing a face mask (cotton or surgical) for 4 hours, following the government's guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
University of Antwerp and University Hospital Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium
RECRUITINGChange from baseline in microbiome composition of the skin and upper airways after wearing a face mask
16S rRNA sequencing
Time frame: Start, 4 hours
Optimalization of microbiome analysis of skin and upper airway samples
16S rRNA sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing
Time frame: Start
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