Shotgun metagenomics of anterior nares swabs links pesticide exposure to nasal community structure and function
Real-world chemical exposures may influence the upper airway microbiome, but the impact of pesticides has not previously been studied. We performed shotgun metagenomic profiling of anterior nares (nostril) swabs and tested for associations with pesticide metrics derived from silicone wristbands, which capture external environmental exposure, and from pesticide concentrations measured in faeces, urine, and blood, which reflect distinct internal or excretory exposure pathways.