Analysis of Skin Mycobiota Associated with Alopecia in Captive Cynomolgus Macaques Based on Oxford Nanopore Technologies

This study examined the skin mycobiota associated with alopecia in 97 captive cynomolgus macaques, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies for sequencing. Researchers found significant differences in fungal diversity and abundance between healthy and alopecic macaques, with the alopecic group showing increased Chao1 diversity but lower Shannon diversity, indicating an imbalance in fungal communities. Dominant fungi in alopecic macaques included Candida albicans and Aspergillus penicillioides, while healthy macaques had Aureobasidium leucospermi and Candida tropicalis. The study suggests that disruptions in skin microbial communities may contribute to alopecia by allowing opportunistic pathogens to cause inflammation or infections that damage hair follicles. These findings could inform future treatments for alopecia and contribute to understanding its pathogenesis.