Metagenomic Study of the Human Skin Microbiome Associated with Acne

Acne vulgaris affects 17 million Americans, more than 80% of the people of age 12-24. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between acne pathogenesis and the skin microbiota residing in the microcomedones. This study will enroll approximately 100 healthy individuals and acne patients, both male and female with age 13 or older. Data obtained from this study will help better understand the disease pathogenesis and may lead to the development of new effective therapeutic strategies for treatment of acne.]]>
Subjects must: be male or female age 13 or older. understand the test procedure and must read and sign the appropriate informed consent form indicating their willingness to participate. agree to refrain from using any product on the skin during the study. agree to adhere to the study procedures and requirements. have visible acne lesions on skin, suitable for culture and/or biopsy (for acne patients only). Subjects must not: have poor skin condition including erythema, sunburn, abrasions, etc. on the test sites. have participated in a study wherein the test areas were previously indicated as test sites within one month prior to the start date of this study. be involved in any aspect of test administration. participate in any other study concurrently which the investigator feels may influence the results of this study. have any medical condition or factor which the investigator believes might affect the response of the skin. ]]>
This study is part of the NIH Human Microbiome Demonstration Project, started in May 2009.]]>