Microbial Basis of Systemic Malodor and "People Allergic To Me" Conditions

Human odorprints, mostly owing to the microbiome, have proven their value as biomarkers of health and environmental exposures. In recent years, microbial networks responsible for localized malodors such as halitosis or axillary odor have been mapped by using next generation sequencing approaches. Intestinal microbes responsible for psychologically debilitating systemic malodor (whole-body and extraoral halitosis), however, remain to be identified. Even a relatively straightforward disorder of choline metabolism trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is thought to exhibit complex host-gene microbiome interactions and has not been sufficiently studied.

Proposed controlled pilot study aims to explore the dynamics of microbial communities in remission and flare-up periods. Better knowledge of the important aspects of disease fluctuation should enhance patient care and, combined with our prior data, will help to develop new therapies and treatments.

Inclusion criteria

• idiopathic malodor or PATM symptoms experienced over a period of several months or years
• able to read and understand the study information
• willing and able to comply with questionnaires, nutritional recommendations, and other study procedures

Exclusion criteria

• consistent inability to communicate and process things related to their symptoms
• consistent inability to distinguish physical symptoms from pure emotional reactions
• lack of motivation to start feeling better