Exploring Microbial Dynamics: The Role of Commensals in Healthy and Dandruff-Affected Scalps

Abstract The human scalp harbors a diverse microbial community that plays a crucial role in scalp health and disease. This study aimed to analyze the microbiome of both healthy and dandruff-affected scalps to elucidate microbial composition differences and potential associations with dandruff pathology. Samples were collected from three healthy and three dandruff-affected individuals, and the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and the ITS1 region were sequenced to characterize bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. Taxonomic analysis identified 5 dominant phyla and 31 genera within the samples, revealing a shift from Actinomycetota dominance in healthy scalps to Basidiomycota dominance in dandruff-affected scalps. Notably, the fungal phylum Ascomycota, including Malassezia , was also more abundant in dandruff-affected scalps. This transition emphasizes the intricate interactions among microbial communities and their potential impact on scalp health. These findings suggest specific microbial shifts are associated with dandruff, highlighting the potential for targeted therapeutic strategies that modulate the scalp microbiome to improve scalp health. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific interactions between these microbial groups and their impact on scalp health.