A Comparison of Techniques for Collecting Skin Microbiome Samples: Swabbing Versus Tape-Stripping

Abstract

The swabbing and tape-stripping methods have traditionally been used for collecting skin microbiome samples for skin bacterial analysis, although no reports have compared the outcome of these methods for collecting skin bacteria. Our purpose was to show the differences in microbial composition between samples collected using the swabbing and tape-stripping methods, by both the next generation sequencing and culture studies. The skin microbiome was collected by both methods, and the samples were processed for a sequence-based microbiome analysis and culture study. The next-generation sequencing results showed that skin bacteria collected using the tape-stripping method were comparable to those collected using the swabbing method. In the culture study, the tape-stripping method collected a greater number and wider variety of viable skin bacteria than the swabbing method. These results suggest that the tape-stripping method is comparable to the swabbing method for collecting viable skin bacteria, without losing fidelity to the composition of skin microbiome.

Combined culture and metagenomic analyses reveal significant shifts in the composition of the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis

“…reported minimal differences when comparing results from skin swabs, scrapings and biopsies. Concordance between swabbing and tape stripping has also been confirmed in several studies …”

“…However, the changes in the microbiome during treatment were not detected by the culture data. In fact, it has recently been reported that the tape stripping method may capture more viable bacteria than swabbing . It could be speculated that changes in bacterial populations may have been too subtle to be detected by culture or that changes are predominantly in nonculturable species.…”

“…In fact, it has recently been reported that the tape stripping method may capture more viable bacteria than swabbing. 48 It could be speculated that changes in bacterial populations may have been too subtle to be detected by culture or that changes are predominantly in nonculturable species. This apparent discrepancy could be resolved using culturomics techniques, 27,49 which dramatically alter culture conditions to increase the levels of identifiable bacteria to those seen in sequencing studies.…”

“…Concordance between swabbing and tape stripping has also been confirmed in several studies. 48,59 However, more recently Prast-Nielsen et al 60 have reported significant differences in the diversity and composition of the cutaneous microbiome when comparing swabs and biopsies from the same individuals. Several taxa, including Clostridiales and Bacteroidetes, were increased in skin biopsies, while S. aureus was more abundant in swabs.…”

Revealing the secret life of skin ‐ with the microbiome you never walk alone

“…In contrast to the swabbing technique, the tape‐stripping method allows to ‘peel off’ bacteria from the stratum corneum as well as deeper layers. A recent study by Ogai and coworkers showed that next generation sequencing analysis of microbial samples collected with the tape‐stripping method revealed a slightly higher abundance of Cutibacterium spp., which are known anaerobic bacteria, compared to the ones collected using the swabbing method. This might suggest that the tape‐stripping technique allows for a deeper sampling of the stratum corneum reaching the anaerobic portions of the skin appendages.…”