Dynamics of the Gut Microbiota in MEBO and PATM conditions: Protocol of a fully remote clinical study

Human odor-prints, mostly owing to the microbiome, have proven their value as biomarkers of health and environmental exposures. In recent years, microbial networks responsible for localized malodors - such as intra-oral halitosis, neck, foot and axillary odor - have been mapped by using next generation sequencing approaches. Intestinal microbes responsible for psychologically debilitating systemic malodor (whole-body including extraoral halitosis), however, remain to be identified. Even a relatively straightforward disorder of choline metabolism trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is thought to exhibit complex host-gene microbiome interactions and its microbial dynamics has not been sufficiently studied. Mapping gut microbiome is needed to understand human metabolic disfunction, make proper dietary recommendations and develop targeted treatments such as microbial therapies. Our preliminary analysis of culture-, PCR- and 16S-RNA-based data found several Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) potentially linked to systemic malodor. Proposed controlled pilot study will provide a more comprehensive evaluation and, combined with our prior data, will help to develop new therapies and treatments.