Comparative Analysis of Bacteriome in Hair Follicle Layers of Patients with Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

The study analyzed the bacteriome in hair follicle layers of patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL), and healthy controls, involving 30 FPHL patients, 20 MPHL patients, and 20 controls. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, researchers found decreased microbial richness in hair loss groups, with FPHL showing the lowest richness. Distinct microbial patterns and functional changes were identified, particularly in FPHL, suggesting a potential role of the follicular microbiome in the pathophysiology of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Key microbial taxa like Cutibacterium and pathways such as porphyrin metabolism were highlighted, indicating that microbial imbalances may contribute to hair loss. The study suggests new opportunities for microbiome-based diagnostics and therapies, though further research is needed to explore these findings.