Effects of Mask Reuse on the Oropharyngeal, Skin, and Mask Microbiome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Face masks have been critical in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but supplies were sometimes limited and disposable masks contribute greatly to environmental waste. Studies suggest that filtration capacity is retained with repeated use, and surveys indicate many people reuse surgical masks. However, the impact of mask reuse on the host is understudied.

Methods

We applied 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the bacterial microbiome of the facial skin and oropharynx of individuals randomized to wearing fresh surgical masks daily versus masks reused for 1 week.

Results

Compared to daily fresh masks, reuse was associated with increased richness (number of taxa) of the skin microbiome and trend towards greater diversity, but no difference i

SUBMITTER: Merenstein C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10428194 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature