NCBI ROFL: Did you hear about the penis microbiome? It’s got lots of cocci. | Discoblog

The effects of circumcision on the penis microbiome.

“METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We assessed the penile (coronal sulci) microbiota in 12 HIV-negative Ugandan men before and after circumcision… …Among the 42 unique bacterial families identified, Pseudomonadaceae and Oxalobactericeae were the most abundant irrespective of circumcision status. Circumcision was associated with a significant change in the overall microbiota (PerMANOVA p = 0.007) and with a significant decrease in putative anaerobic bacterial families (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test p = 0.014)…. …[The] reduction in putative anaerobic bacteria after circumcision may play a role in protection from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.”

Next they should sequence the micropenis microbiome.

Thanks to Matt for today’s ROFL!

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