The Transmissibility of the Human Skin Virome: Potential Forensic Implications.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal stability and object-to-skin transferability of the skin virome in a Korean population. Skin virus metagenomes were collected from the anatomical locations (forehead, left hand, and right hand) of eight healthy adults and monitored over 3 months at intervals of 6 weeks. To assess the potential transfer of virome between skin and objects, subjects were instructed to contact four types of objects (cell phones, door handles, fabric, and plastic). Virome samples were then collected from the surfaces of these objects. Viruses were identified using databases and viral annotation bioinformatics tools. Fifteen viral families were consistently found to be stable and well-transmissible across anatomical locations and four types of objects. Fur

SUBMITTER: Kim MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683279 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature