Approved Research

Characterising blood microbes in health and disease

Lay summary

Microbes such as bacteria and viruses are important players in disease and health. It is unclear what role blood microbes play and if they can be utilised as biomarkers and reflect underlying disease. In this study we will investigate if blood samples from the UK biobank contain microbes and if the presence of these microbes correlate with infectious diseases and cancer. The study will gain knowledge on the general landscape of microbes in the blood but also disease-specific microbes that can predict future disease such as cancer. The project will last for three years starting in 2024.