Objectives of the project: Compare the following aspects in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD) and healthy control (HC) participants in Central Europe (CE) vs. Sub-Saharan Africa (SsA):~Clinical characteristics, life quality, treatments, and family history~Immune mapping and barrier characterization of lesional and non-lesional skin~Exploration of the serological and cutaneous immune signatures~Investigation of the skin, nasal and gut microbiome (including bacteria and fungi)~Comparison of the sensitization patterns and putting it into clinical context (food questionnaire, anamnesis about allergic symptoms, analysis of IgE and IgG levels)
Many people are affected by atopic dermatitis (AD) worldwide. However, clinical studies on AD in Sub-Saharan Africa are rare and there is a lack of knowledge about possible differences in pathogenesis between European and African AD.~This study will collect clinical and laboratory data with the aim to compare clinical characteristics and immune responses in AD patients in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Europe. Furthermore, relevant allergens as well as the nasal, skin and gut micro- and mycobiome will be investigated.