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Subclinical microbial infection in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis

I Bartenjev1, M Rogl Butina, M Potocnik

  • 1Department of Dermatovenereology, University Medical Centre, 1525, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Acta Dermato-Venereologica. Supplementum
|March 10, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Subclinical bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal and staphylococcal, are frequently linked to chronic plaque psoriasis relapses. Identifying and treating these hidden infections may be crucial for managing psoriasis effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with complex etiology.
  • Epidemiological data suggests bacterial infections can trigger psoriasis.
  • Subclinical infections by *Streptococcus* and *Staphylococcus* are hypothesized to induce psoriasis relapse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of subclinical upper respiratory tract bacterial infections in patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis.
  • To determine if these infections correlate with psoriasis exacerbation.
  • To assess the potential role of microbial infections in psoriasis pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 195 hospitalized patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis was studied.
  • Exclusion criteria targeted other known psoriasis triggers (medications, metabolic factors, alcohol, trauma, dental issues, overt infections).
  • Bacterial cultures from the upper respiratory tract were used to detect subclinical *Streptococcus* and/or *Staphylococcus* infections.

Main Results:

  • Subclinical streptococcal and/or staphylococcal infections were detected in 68% of psoriasis patients.
  • In contrast, only 11% of the control group presented with such infections.
  • A significant association was found between subclinical bacterial infections and chronic plaque psoriasis.

Conclusions:

  • Subclinical bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract appear to be a significant factor in provoking chronic plaque psoriasis relapses.
  • Screening for and eradicating these microbial infections may represent a valuable therapeutic strategy for psoriasis management.
  • Further research into the mechanisms linking bacterial infections and psoriasis is warranted.

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