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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Normal cutaneous flora and secondary bacterial infection]
1Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, España. 36911xsg@comb.es
Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas
|September 1, 2007
Summary
The skin microbiome, including bacteria and yeasts, colonizes infant skin from birth. Advanced molecular techniques reveal greater bacterial diversity on skin than previously known, impacting our understanding of skin health and infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Genomics
Context:
- Normal skin microflora comprises microorganisms residing on the skin without causing infection.
- Infant skin colonization begins at birth, establishing a microbiota similar to adults within months.
- The skin microbiome traditionally includes bacteria (Staphylococcus), yeasts (Malassezia), viruses, and arthropods (Demodex folliculorum).
Purpose:
- To summarize the composition of normal skin microflora.
- To highlight the impact of molecular microbiology on understanding skin microbiota diversity.
- To review common secondary bacterial skin infections.
Summary:
- Molecular microbiology techniques, such as 16S rRNA amplification and comparison, have revealed a significantly higher diversity of cutaneous bacteria than previously identified through traditional culture methods.
- The skin microbiome is established early in life and comprises a complex community of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and arthropods.
- This enhanced understanding of skin microbiota diversity is crucial for interpreting its role in health and disease.
Impact:
- Advances in molecular microbiology have revolutionized the study of the skin microbiome.
- Reveals a more complex bacterial diversity on human skin than previously understood.
- Provides a foundation for understanding the role of skin microbiota in health and secondary bacterial skin infections.
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