A pilot study on showcasing the forensic relevance of skin microflora

Background Utility of skin microflora is coming up now with the advancement of molecular techniques and the use of results in predicting infection transmission, genetic relatedness of the source of the origin, forensic use etc. Hence, preparing a catalogue of such endogenous and exogenous microbes would serve as a reference for future studies. Results Isolates identified showed typical pattern of having core microbial communities as found in all the samples and the typical ones which were found only in one individual and not in others. This study showed a potential to identify and classify microbes associated with skin of healthy individuals. Conclusion This can serve as a reference model for future studies and to employ the knowledge into forensic as well as other studies related to health. However, it would be worthwhile to consider similar study with large number of individuals with variable food habits and ethnicity for making an exclusive catalogue for skin microflora.