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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
11:56
Ex Vivo Infection of Murine Epidermis with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Published on: August 24, 2015
Bacterial and viral skin diseases
Eleonora Ruocco1, Giovanna Donnarumma, Adone Baroni
1Department of Dermatology, Second University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Dermatologic Clinics
|October 2, 2007
Summary
The skin harbors resident and transient microbes that protect against pathogens. This article details common bacterial and viral skin infections, distinguishing between primary and secondary infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- The skin microbiota comprises resident and transient microbial populations.
- Host defenses and resident flora prevent pathogen colonization and invasion.
- Most skin infections are self-limiting primary infections in healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the main bacterial and viral skin diseases.
- To differentiate between primary and secondary skin infections.
- To explain the role of skin microbiota in infection resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of bacterial and viral skin diseases.
- Analysis of microbial interactions in skin infections.
- Review of host defense mechanisms against skin pathogens.
Main Results:
- Primary skin infections are typically self-limiting in healthy subjects.
- Secondary infections occur on preexisting lesions, are often polymicrobial, and arise in immunocompromised individuals.
- Skin microbiota plays a crucial role in preventing pathogenic microorganism invasion.
Conclusions:
- Understanding skin microbiota and host defenses is key to managing skin infections.
- Differentiating primary and secondary infections aids in appropriate treatment strategies.
- Bacterial and viral pathogens cause a range of skin diseases, influenced by host immunity and microbial flora.
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