Meng Li, Jian-Xun Mao, Hang-Hang Jiang, Chun-Ming Huang, Xing-Hua Gao, Li Zhang
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3833

Balanoposthitis is a common inflammatory condition of male genitalia, while the overall microbiota spectrum and its relevance to contributing factors have yet to be determined. This case-control study included patients with balanoposthitis (n = 26) and matched healthy controls (n = 29), both uncircumcised. Overt fungal infection in balanoposthitis was excluded, swab samples were collected, 16S rRNA gene sequenced and analysed. The profile of the microbiome was further analysed in relation to the clinical severity of the disease and the physical barrier status of the glans penis, including mucosa pH, transepidermal water loss, and mucosa hydration. In general, the microbiota composition was similar between patients with balanoposthitis and healthy controls, while it was different between patients with balanoposthitis and healthy controls with redundant prepuce. Decreased hydration of the mucosa and increased pH were found in patients with balanoposthitis. Staphylococcus warneri and Prevotella bivia are the 2 most abundant balanoposthitis-associated species and are positively correlated with disease severity.

Balanoposthitis is a common inflammatory condition, affecting approximately 6% of uncircumcised males. The overall microbiota spectrum and its relevance to contributing factors for this condition have yet to be determined. This study found that balanoposthitis was associated with an impaired male genital mucosa physical barrier and a higher colonization rate of Staphylococcus warneri and Prevotella bivia. A possible treatment regimen for balanoposthitis may therefore include restoration of the genital mucosa barrier and of the balance of the indigenous microbial population.