Pilot Study: Sampling Methods for Anal Microbiome among Hispanic Adults
The anal microbiome is of particular interest, as a comprehensive understanding of its role in the natural history of HPV infection and AIN is needed. Results from the Human Microbiome Project indicate that 20% of all cancers are microbially induced with yet undiscovered mechanisms, revealing the potential for microbiota-related processes to be used in cancer diagnostics. The human anal cavity has physical interfaces between the host and the environment and its microbiota may play a role in the susceptibility to HPV infections and anal neoplasia. Although studies of anal microbiota are limited, a recent study in HIV-infected MSM showed that specific fecal and mucosal bacteria can predict the existence of AIN, highlighting the relevance of microbiome research for determining biomarkers for AIN diagnosis and developing therapeutic targets. Additionally, a recent case study revealed the clearance of an anal Bowen's lesion condyloma (AIN3), combining clearance of the lesion with oral and anal probiotic supplementation. Despite the existence of some studies in this area, we do not know how stable is the anal microbiome, and how it compares to the microbiome found in fecal matter. With our study we aim to compare the bacterial microbiota from stool and swab samples, to assess differences due to sample collection methods. We will use bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, to compare the microbiota profiles of stool samples and rectal swab samples in Hispanic patients.
The anal microbiome is of particular interest, as a comprehensive understanding of its role in the natural history of HPV infection and AIN is needed. Results from the Human Microbiome Project indicate that 20% of all cancers are microbially induced with yet undiscovered mechanisms, revealing the potential for microbiota-related processes to be used in cancer diagnostics. The human anal cavity has physical interfaces between the host and the environment and its microbiota may play a role in the susceptibility to HPV infections and anal neoplasia. Although studies of anal microbiota are limited, a recent study in HIV-infected MSM showed that specific fecal and mucosal bacteria can predict the existence of AIN, highlighting the relevance of microbiome research for determining biomarkers for AIN diagnosis and developing therapeutic targets. Additionally, a recent case study revealed the clearance of an anal Bowen's lesion condyloma (AIN3), combining clearance of the lesion with oral and anal probiotic supplementation. Despite the existence of some studies in this area, we do not know how stable is the anal microbiome, and how it compares to the microbiome found in fecal matter. With our study we aim to compare the bacterial microbiota from stool and swab samples, to assess differences due to sample collection methods. We will use bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, to compare the microbiota profiles of stool samples and rectal swab samples in Hispanic patients.
University of California San Diego Microbiome Initiative