The human skin represents the largest human organ. It provides an effective barrier between the human organism and the environment. Superficial skin layers are inhabited by different sorts of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi. This heterogeneous community of microorganisms are in mutualistic symbiosis. They play an essential role in the protection against invading pathogens and in the breakdown of natural products. Additionally, they contribute to a special form of innate and adaptive immunity, which links antimicrobial functions and tissue repair.
Author/Year | Patients | Skin Swabs | 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing | Shotgun Metagenomics | Control Skin Swabs | Statistically Significant Differences |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Salava et al./2020 [24] | 20 | lymphoma-affected (MF) |
completed | completed | healthy-appearing, contra-lateral | none detected |
Salava et al./2017 [25] | 13 | parapsoriasis-affected | completed | not completed | healthy-appearing, contra-lateral | none detected |
Harkins et al./2020 [21] | 6 | lymphoma-affected (MF/SS) |
not completed | completed | healthy volunteer (lower back, thigh) | none detected |