A Pilot Study Characterization of the Scalp Microbiome in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia Shows Shift in Corynebacterium

Introduction: Aberrant fibrosis in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is thought to be driven by persistent low-grade inflammation, but the source of inflammation is unclear. Alterations in the scalp microbiota may contribute to inflammation and thus provide a target for therapeutic intervention. We sought to compare the bacterial and fungal cutaneous scalp microbiota in patients with CCCA versus controls. Methods: Six patients with CCCA and seven controls were sampled at the vertex scalp. 16S rRNA sequencing of V3-V4 region and internal transcribed spacer amplicon sequencing was used to compare bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Results: A significantly higher relative abundance of Corynebacterium was noted in patients with CCCA versus controls. No significant difference in scalp fungal or bacterial microbiota composition was observed. Limitations: V3-V4 sequencing can be limited in detection of major skin bacterial species. Conclusion: CCCA is characterized by a distinct bacterial microbiome community and high relative abundances of Corynebacterium. Future studies should characterize the relationship between Corynebacterium and scalp inflammation and the role it may play in the progression of CCCA.