Skin Microbiome Profiles in RA, AS, BS and FMF: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Microbiota refers to all microorganisms colonising the body, whereas microbiome is a broader term covering the genetic material and ecosystem of this population. The skin is the largest organ of the body with a skin microbiota characterised by a bacterial density of >1×10⁶ bacteria per cm². The dominant phyla most frequently isolated are Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, with Staphylococcus epidermidis (Firmicutes) and Malassezia spp. (fungal) species. Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of microbial dysbiosis in pathogenic mechanisms by comparing the compositional differences of skin flora in RA, AS, BS and FMF patients. Method: In this study, patients diagnosed with RA, AS, BS and FMF admitted to the Rheumatology outpatient clinic of Gaziantep City Hospital and a control group including healthy individuals were analysed. Swab samples were obtained from the axillary and scapula regions of patients and healthy individuals. The genus and species identification of the bacteria were performed using MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) technology. Result: A statistically significant correlation was found between the diagnoses of the patients and the isolated microorganism combinations (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation between gender and isolated microorganism species (p = 0.729). Conclusion: The structure and composition of the human microbiome has a significant impact on health and disease status. This study revealed that the skin microbiota shows specific changes in chronic inflammatory diseases such as AS, RA, FMF and BS. The present findings may serve as a guide for further studies in this field.