Human skin microbiota pilot 1. human skin metagenome

The skin is a barrier critical for survival, preventing the escape of moisture and invasion by infectious or toxic substances. The skin is also an intricate habitat for a diverse population of microbiota. In most cases, skin microbiota is commensal and protects us from pathogenic microbes in the non-disease state. Additionally, evidence suggests a role for pathogenic bacteria in skin disorders (i.e. atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne). We used common dermatologic methods developed for biopsying skin to survey all levels of the skin (surface, epidermis, hair follicles and sweat glands in dermis). 16S ribosomal RNA genes were sequenced from the skin of the antecubital fossae (inner elbows) of five healthy volunteers. Samples were collected by punch biopsy, scrape, and swab. EU535101-EU540623 are the 16S ribosomal RNA sequences associated with this study.