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

Effect of Face Masks on the Microbial Communities of the Skin and Upper Airways and the Optimalisation of Microbiome Analysis

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult age 18 at the start of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women