Skin swab test shows potential as Parkinson’s diagnostic test

Dr Tilo Kunath (Centre for Regenerative Medicine) has co-authored a study, led by colleges at University of Manchester, that could lead to the development of a test for Parkinson’s that would only require a skin swab.

This work have evolved from a study Tilo undertook in 2017 with Joy Milne, a former nurse who is able to detect people who have Parkinson’s before they are medically diagnosed, simply by their smell. The researchers (who include Joy as a co-author) have used metablomics profiling and have identified changes to the lipids observed in the sebum of those with Parkinson's, compared to controls.

Sebum is a complex lipid-rich substance that serves as a protective agent to the skin providing waterproofing, thermoregulation, and photoprotection, alongside suggested antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Studies of sebum are commonplace in dermatological conditions such as acne, however sebum as a biofluid has rarely been used in disease diagnostics. 

In 2019 Tilo was awarded the Tom Issacs Award in recognition of his empathy and enthusiastic engagement with the Parkinson’s community and for his willingness to share his expert research knowledge.