Microbiome Profile in Adult Balanoposthitis Patients: Relationship with Redundant Prepuce, Skin Physical Barrier Status and Inflammation

Abstract Background : Balanoposthitis is a common inflammatory condition of male genitalia, the microbiota spectrum have not been determined thus far. To profile the microbiome in patients with balanoposthitis (BP), and healthy controls (HC), and investigate its correlation with redundant prepuce, severity of inflammation, and disrupted skin barrier function, including skin pH, Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), and skin hydration. Results : In general, the microbiota between BP and HC were similar. The microbiota composition was different between BP and HC with redundant prepuce. Staphylococcus warneri and Prevotella bivia are two most abundant BP-associated Species, and positively correlated with disease severity. The physio-barrier function is markedly impaired in BP, shown by decreased skin hydration, while increased TEWL and pH. Conclusions : Staphylococcus warneri and Prevotella bivia showed a strong correlation with balanoposthitis and may be pathogenic for the condition.