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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Encoding a superantigen by Staphylococcus aureus does not affect clinical characteristics of infected atopic
1Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Background:
Bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus is a known trigger for the worsening of atopic dermatitis (AD). Staphylococcal superantigens have been theorized to make a potential contribution to this worsening of AD seen with infection.
Objectives:
We sought to assess whether encoding a superantigen by S. aureus affects the inflammatory characteristics of impetiginized AD skin lesions.
Methods:
Fifty-two children with clinically impetiginized lesions of AD which were positive for S. aureus were enrolled in this study. A lesion was graded clinically using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), and then wash fluid was obtained from the lesion for quantitative bacterial culture, and measurement of bacterial products lipoteichoic acid and staphylococcal protein A and cytokines. The staphylococcal isolate was tested for antibiotic susceptibilities and the presence of a superantigen.
Results:
Fifty-four per cent (28 of 52) of the staphylococcal isolates encoded a superantigen. The presence of a superantigen had no significant effect on EASI score, amounts of bacterial products or inflammatory cytokines in the AD lesion.
Conclusions:
These studies suggest that the expression of a superantigen by S. aureus alone does not play an important role in the increased skin inflammation associated with staphylococcal infection in childhood AD.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus superantigens do not worsen atopic dermatitis (AD) inflammation in children. This study found no significant link between superantigen presence and increased severity of AD skin lesions during bacterial infection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus infections are known to exacerbate atopic dermatitis (AD).
- Staphylococcal superantigens are hypothesized to contribute to AD worsening during infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if S. aureus superantigens influence inflammatory characteristics in impetiginized AD skin lesions.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-two children with impetiginized AD lesions positive for S. aureus were studied.
- Lesion severity was assessed using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI).
- Bacterial load, products (lipoteichoic acid, staphylococcal protein A), cytokines, and superantigen presence were measured.
Main Results:
- Superantigens were detected in 54% of S. aureus isolates.
- Superantigen presence did not significantly impact EASI scores, bacterial product levels, or inflammatory cytokines.
Conclusions:
- Superantigen expression by S. aureus alone does not appear to significantly increase skin inflammation in childhood AD.
- Further research may be needed to understand the complex interplay between S. aureus and AD exacerbation.
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