Staphylococci of the normal human skin flora

Summary 352 strains of Staphylococci of the normal human skin flora were sampled from one volunteer by single scrabbing in a ca. 3 cm² measuring area. They were biotyped by the scheme of Pelzer et al. (1973)—a modified Baird-Parker-Scheme (1963)— and the resistance to antibiotics was investigated by the method of Bauer et al. (1966).All the nine biotypes of Staphylococci were found in variable quantities. It seems problematic to call one biotype as the main type. Morphologically identical colonies of Staphylococci from the indigenous flora of the human skin were not identical in their biotypes as previously described by Pelzer (1976).Only the investigation of all Staphylococci colonies from the culture plate can evaluate all biotypes of Staphylococci of the normal human skin flora, and can give the right quantitative correlation. Staphylococci were found to be sensitive and resistant up to four antibiotics, and one biotype did not show one type of antibiogram.     

Effects of occlusion upon population dynamics of skin bacteria

Quantitative and qualitative changes of the cutaneous aerobic bacterial flora upon 20 sites on the backs of each of three healthy subjects were examined before and after one site was occluded, using skin flora maps as a tool. Major local alterations were found to affect the carriage of micro-organisms in distant surrounding areas. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most successful competitor. Furthermore, some sites appeared to act as restricted reservoirs for specific types of micro-organisms whereas other areas were less limited in their support of flora.     

Antimicrobial effects of an antiperspirant formulation containing aqueous aluminum chloride hexahydrate

Summary To document deodorant efficacy the antimicrobial activity of a gelatinous antiperspirant formulation of aqueous aluminum chloride hexahydrate was investigated. In vitro assays demonstrated highly bactericidal activity on microorganisms comprising the resident axillary skin flora, including micrococcaceae and aerobic diphtheroid bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria and yeast were partially inhibited. In vivo experiments utilizing occlusive patches on forearm skin and bacterial sampling of the axilla showed pronounced bacteriostasis and persistence of aluminum chloride on the skin. Inhibition of microbial growth lasted more than 3 days after a single treatement of the axilla. Following repeated open applications to the volar aspect of the forearm, the skin remained virtually sterile for 3 days.     

非特应性的湿疹皮炎患者皮肤菌群的测定与分析

目的：探讨非特应性的湿疹皮炎患者携带细菌尤其是金黄色葡萄球菌（金葡菌）的携带情况。方法：选取正常人30名及门诊非特应性的湿疹皮炎患者186例，以棉签法分别在正常人及皮损部位反复擦拭后进行细菌培养及鉴定。结果：正常人未检出金葡菌；湿疹继发感染患者皮损金葡菌及细菌总检出率均为92.9%；非特应性的湿疹皮炎患者金葡菌检出率和细菌总检出率分别为30.1%和67.7%；临床无感染的湿疹皮炎患者金葡菌检出率和细菌总检出率分别为25.0%和65.7%，后两者金葡菌及细菌总检出率均显著低于湿疹继发感染患者，而金葡菌检出率显著高于正常人。结论：金葡菌与一部分非特应性的湿疹皮炎可能有一定的关系。     

Antibiotic resistance patterns in coagulase-negative staphylococci after treatment with topical erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, and combination therapy

Antibiotic resistance of the resident cutaneous bacterial flora is a well recognized consequence of systemic antibiotic therapy. In this study, we followed the development of antibiotic resistance of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), the most numerous aerobic bacteria found on the skin surface, during treatment with three topical antimicrobial agents used to treat acne vulgaris. Groups of 20 subjects received either topical erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide or a combination of the two for 16 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment with erythromycin, the aerobic flora was dominated by S. epidermidis which was completely resistant to erythromycin. In addition there was an increase in resistance to clindamycin and tetracycline. Treatment with benzoyl peroxide and the combination of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide resulted in a significant reduction in the number of aerobic bacteria without any change in the resistance pattern to erythromycin or other antibiotics.     

Bacterial flora of comedones

Open comedones from thirty-eight patients with acne vulgaris on the face or back were compared for microbial flora. A total of eighty-three comedones from the face and sixty-three from the upper back were individually processed for quantitative bacterial analysis. The greatest difference between the flora of comedones at these two sites was that 44.6% of comedones from the back (compared to 9.6% from the face) harboured no aerobic cocci. The decreased prevalence of staphylococci in the lesions from the back reflects the relative absence of these organisms in isolated follicles from normal uninvolved skin of the back. The geometric mean count of anaerobes in comedones from the back was in the same range as the count found in isolated follicles in normal uninvolved skin in a previous study. This work supports the concept that the bacterial flora of comedones is an extension of the follicular flora and may be unrelated to the event of comedogenesis.     

Microbiology of infected hemangiomas in children

Bacterial infections are a common complication of hemangiomas in children. The objective of this study was to establish the aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of infected hemangiomas. A retrospective 8-year review of clinical and microbiology laboratory records from patients with secondarily infected hemangiomas was carried out. Specimens from infected sites were processed for the presence of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Bacterial growth was present in 32 of 38 specimens. Aerobic bacteria alone were recovered in 12 infected hemangiomas (37.5%), anaerobic bacteria alone in 8 (33%), and mixed aerobic and anaerobic flora in 12 (37.5%). A total of 80 isolates (47 aerobes and 33 anaerobes) were recovered, giving an average of 2.5 isolates per specimen (1.5 aerobes and 1.0 anaerobes). The highest number of isolates were recovered in infections of the perineum (3.7 per site) and the legs (2.8 per site). The predominant aerobic isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, and Enterobacteriaceae. The predominant anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus sp., gram-negative bacilli, and Fusobacterium sp. Organisms that belong to the mucous membranes close to the lesions predominated in infections next to those membranes. The polymicrobial etiology of secondarily infected hemangiomas and the association of bacterial flora with the anatomic site of the lesions is thereby demonstrated.     

A comparative evaluation of vaginal, cervical and peritoneal flora in normal, healthy women: a preliminary report.

Twelve healthy women undergoing laparoscopic tubal sterilization were studied. Specimens were obtained for culture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Chlamydia trachomatis. The sites cultured included cul-de-sac (through a laparoscope), cul-de-sac (by transvaginal culdocentesis), the vaginal wall, and the endocervical canal. Anaerobic bacteria were isolated from the peritoneal cavity of three (25%) of the subjects. These isolates included B. melaninogenicus from two specimens obtained by laparoscope from the peritoneal cavity and from two peritoneal specimens obtained by culdocentesis. The data suggest that the peritoneal cavity of normal healthy women is not always sterile. We did not encounter contamination of transvaginal culdocentesis specimens with vaginal flora.     

THE NORMAL FLORA OF THE SKIN IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

SUMMARY. An investigation of the incidence and distribution of aerobic organisms included in the cutaneous community in 410 persons is described. These subjects were divided by age into 4 groups: infants, children, adults and geriatrics. The age of the individual was found to influence the bacterial flora found on the skin. Coagulase negative staphylococci and micrococci occurred frequently in virtually all sites in each person sampled. Other major Inhabitants of the skin were, in the infants, streptococci, in the adults, diphtheroids and in the old people, diphtheroids and streptococci. The flora was very varied in the children with Sarcina , diphtheroids, spore forming bacilli and Gram-negative bacilli frequently found in large numbers.     

Microbiology of infected pustular psoriasis lesions

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections can occur in lesions of pustular psoriasis (PP). The objective of this study was to establish the aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of secondarily infected PP. METHODS: A retrospective 10-year review was carried out of clinical and microbiology laboratory records from patients with secondarily infected PP lesions, whose specimens of infected sites were processed for the presence of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. RESULTS: Bacterial growth was noted in 23 specimens. Aerobic or facultative anaerobic bacteria only were present in 12 patients (52%), anaerobic bacteria only in four (17%), and mixed anaerobic-aerobic flora was present in seven (30%). Thirty-six isolates were recovered (1.6 per specimen), 23 aerobic or facultative bacteria and 13 strict anaerobes. The predominant aerobic and facultative bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (15 isolates), Group D Enterococcus (two isolates), and Escherichia coli (two isolates). The predominant anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus spp. (six isolates) and Bacteroides fragilis group, Propionibacterium acnes, and pigmented Prevotella spp. in two each. Single bacterial isolates were recovered in 14 patients (61%), 11 of which were S. aureus. Nineteen of the organisms isolated from 18 patients (78%) produced the enzyme beta-lactamase. S. aureus was isolated from all body sites. Organisms that resided in the mucous membranes close to the lesions predominated in these infections. Enteric Gram-negative rods and Bacteroides fragilis group predominated in lesions on the legs and buttocks. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, pigmented Prevotella, and Fusobacterium spp. were most frequently recovered in lesions of the hand. CONCLUSIONS: The polymicrobial etiology of secondarily infected PP lesions and the association of bacterial flora with the anatomic site of the lesions were demonstrated.     

Evaluation of crew skin flora under conditions of a full quarantine lunar-exploration mission

Crew-members of the Apollo 14 lunar exploration mission underwent a pre-flight seclusion designed to stabilize their health by freeing them from exposure to potentially infectious agents. After the flight, the crew-members were quarantined to protect the biosphere from possible lunar contamination. These isolations, along with the complete isolation of the spaceflight itself, provided the opportunity for a skin flora survey which included the sampling of seven sites at five different times. Quantification and identification of all aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from each sire were performed. The results indicated that the pre-flight quarantine measures resulted in a decrease in total numbers of isolates as well as a decrease in the anaerobes. This was followed by a continued decrease throughout the flight with a return to the pre-flight norm within 16 days after the flight. The quantitative load of aerobic bacteria increased during the flight, due largely to an increass in coryneforms and micrococcaceae. The quantitative load of anaerobic bacteria decreased before and during the flight. No instance of microbial shock or intercrew transfer of micro-organisms was demonstrated. These findings indicate that alterations in the skin flora do not pose any unusual problem during short duration space flights. Further, there are no indications that problems will arise on longer missions.     

Microbiology of Nonbullous Impetigo

Abstract: Our objective was to establish the aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of nonbullous impetigo (Nl) in children. We used a retrospective review of clinical microbiology laboratory and patients'records. Specimens were obtained from 40 patients with Nl lesions and showed bacteriai growth. Aerobic or facultative anaerobic bacteria only were present in 24 patients (60%), strict anaerobic bacteria only in 5 patients (12.5%), and mixed anaerobic-aerobic flora was present in 11 patients (27.5%). Sixty-four isolates were recovered (1.6 per specimen): 43 aerobic or facultative, and 21 anaerobic. The predominant aerobic and facultative bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (29 isolates). Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) (13 Isolates), and Escherichia coli (1 isolate). The predominant anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus spp. (12), pigmented Prevotella spp. (5), Fusobacterium spp. (2), and Bacteroides fragilis (1). Single bacterial isolates were recovered in 17 patients (42.5%), 13 of which were S. aureus. S. aureus alone or mixed with GABHS or Peptostreptococcus spp. were isolated from all body sites. Mixed flora of Peptostreptococcus spp. with Prevotella spp. or Fusobacterium spp. was mostly found in infections of the head and neck, while E. coli mixed with B. fragills and Peptostreptococcus spp. were isolated from one infection of the buttocks area. Thirty-three organisms isolated from 32 patients (80%) produced the enzyme beta-lactamase. This study demonstrates the polymicrobial aerobic-anaerobic microbiology of Nl lesions.     

特应性皮炎患儿与正常儿童肠道菌群Network网络分析

目的 探讨特应性皮炎(atopic dermatitis,AD)儿童患者与正常儿童肠道菌群之间的相互作用情况.方法 根据纳入标准选取35例特应性皮炎儿童患者为AD组(AD组),27例健康儿童作为对照组(N组).应用Illumina Miseq测序平台对研究对象粪便细菌的16SrRNA基因V3-V4区进行高通量测序,将测...     

Aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of chronic venous ulcers

Abstract
Background The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLU) is unclear. The objective of the study was to establish the aerobic and anaerobic bacteriology of CVLU.
Methods A retrospective review was carried out of the clinical and microbiological laboratory records obtained from patients with CVLU. Microorganisms were grown from 43 specimens obtained from 41 patients.
Results Aerobic or facultative bacteria alone were present in 18 (42%) specimens, anaerobic bacteria only in three (7%), and mixed aerobic–anaerobic flora in 22 (51%).
In total, there were 97 isolates, 64 aerobic or facultative and 33 anaerobic, an average of 2.3 isolates per specimen (1.5 aerobes and 0.8 anaerobes). The predominant aerobic organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (26 isolates), group D streptococci (5), and Escherichia coli (5). The predominant anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus spp. (15), Bacteroides fragilis group (6), Propionibacterium acnes (4), and Prevotella spp. (3).
Conclusions CVLU have a polymicrobial aerobic–anaerobic flora.     

银屑病伴扁桃体炎患者扁桃体细菌学的研究

本文对银屑病伴扁桃体炎患者27例,慢性扁桃体炎无银屑病患者30例分别进行了扁桃体表面与内部组织细菌培养,并对检出的厌氧菌、需氧菌的种类,菌株数分别做了分析和比较,还对病例组中的11例患者在摘除术后又做了咽部培养。结果表明,两组扁桃体表面与内部组织菌群均是厌氧菌与需氧菌混合存在,细菌检出率组织内部明显高于表面。但病例组扁桃体表面及内部组织厌氧杆菌检出率均高于对照组。     

Quantitative microbiology of the scalp in non-dandruff, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis.

The composition of the scalp microflora was assessed quantitatively in normal individuals and in patients with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, disorders characterized by increasing scaling. Three organisms were constantly found: (1) Pityrosporum, (2) aerobic cocci, and (3) Corynebacterium acnes. Pityrosporum (mainly Pityrosporum ovale) made up 46% of the total microflora in normals, 74% in dandruff, and 83% in seborvheic dermatitis. The geometric mean number of organisms per cm-2 in non-dandruff subjects was 5.04 times 10-5; 9.22 times 10-5 in dandruff subjects; and 6.45 times 10-5 in those with seborrheic dermatitis. The cocci were dominantly Baird-Parker type SII and no quantitative or qualitative change occurred in the scaling disorders. C. acnes comprised 26% of the flora on the normal scalp, 6% in dandruff, and only 1% in seborrheic dermatitis. These results differ significantly from previous reports which describe a much more complex microflora and suggest an etiologic role for microorganisms in dandruff.     

特应性皮炎与肠道微生物组的相关性

近期研究表明肠道的生态失调与免疫反应的改变和特应性皮炎(atopic dermatitis, AD)有关。通过总结AD和肠道菌群相关的实验和测序结果发现,肠道菌群通过免疫、代谢和神经内分泌途径对AD的发生发展有重要影响。本文就特应性皮炎与肠道微生物的相关性进行综述。     

Facing up to the imperceptible perspiration. Modulatory influences by diabetic neuropathy,physical exercise and antiperspirant

Background: Sweating is variably altered by physical exercise, diabetic neuropathy and antiperspirants. Methods: Skin temperature, skin surface water loss (SSWL), the Corneometer^® average capacitance (CMAC) and skin capacitance mapping (SCM) were measured before and after moderate physical exercise in 20 healthy subjects. The effect of 5% aluminium chloride hexahydrate (ACH) in a water solution was similarly tested. The same assessments were performed in 20 diabetic patients at rest. Results: Diabetic neuropathy appeared at rest as an increased (compensatory) SCM on the forearms without obvious modification on the hypohidrotic legs. On ACH sites after exercise, SCM revealed both a lowered number of active sweat glands and a lighter stratum corneum (SC) (dryness). In addition, CMAC and SSWL were decreased on ACH sites at rest and at completion of exercise. Conclusion: In diabetic neuropathy, the compensatory hyperhidrosis is more easily disclosed than the hypohidrosis. ACH affects both sweat excretion and the SC hydration.     

MICROBIOLOGY OF INFECTED ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Background. Bacterial infections occur frequently in lesions of atopic dermatitis (AD). The objectives of the study were to establish the aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of secondarily infected AD. Methods. A retrospective review was carried out of clinical and microbiology laboratory records and of data obtained from patients with secondarily infected AD lesions, whose specimens of infected sites were processed for the presence of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Results. Bacterial growth was noted in 41 specimens. Aerobic or facultative anaerobic bacteria only were present in 15 patients (36%), anaerobic bacteria only in eight (20%), and mixed anaerobic-aerobic flora was present in 18 (44%). Seventy- two isolates were recovered (1.8 per specimen), 34 aerobic or facultative bacteria, 35 strict anaerobes, and three Candida sp. The predominant aerobic and facultative bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (12 isolates). Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus in five isolates, and Escherichia coli in four. The predominant anaerobes were peptostreptococcus spp. (13 isolates), pigmented Prevotella and Porphyromonas spp. in eight, and Fusobacterium spp. in four isolates. Single bacterial isolates were recovered in 14 patients (34%), seven of which were S. aureus. Twenty-one of the organisms isolated from 16 patients (39%) produced the enzyme beta-lactamase. Organisms that resided in the mucous membranes close to the lesions predominated in these infections. Enteric gram-negative rods and bacteroides fragilis group predominated in lesions on legs and buttocks. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, pigmented Prevotella, and Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium spp. were most frequently recovered in lesions of the finger, scalp, face, and neck. Conclusions. The polymicrobial etiology of secondarily infected AD lesions and the association of bacterial flora with the anatomic site of the lesions are demonstrated.     

儿童特应性皮炎患者肠道菌群中益生菌的构成比研究

目的：比较特应性皮炎(AD)患儿与正常儿童肠道菌群中益生菌的构成差异。方法：应用Illumina MiSeq测序平台对特应性皮炎患儿和健康对照儿童粪便细菌的16SrRNA基因V3-V4区进行高通量测序,比较两组益生菌属、种水平的构成差异。结果: 共纳入35例 AD 患儿和27例正常对照,在属水平,AD组患者双歧杆菌属(Bifidobacterium)物种丰度较对照组升高,而乳酸杆菌属(Lactobacillus)物种丰度较对照组降低,但二者差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。在种水平,AD组患者双歧杆菌属下Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum DSM 20438 JCM 1200 LMG 10505、unclassified_g__Bifidobacterium、Bifidobacterium_adolescentis、Bifidobacterium_animalis 物种丰度较对照组升高,而Bifidobacterium_breve物种丰度降低,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;AD组患者乳酸杆菌属下Lactobacillus_salivarius物种丰度较对照组降低,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,而unclassified_g__Lactobacillus、Lactobacillus_plantarum_subsp._plantarum物种丰度升高,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论:特应性皮炎患儿肠道菌群中益生菌物种丰度与正常儿童存在差异。