[Lysozyme in atopic dermatitis]

The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of lysozyme in serum and saliva in 10 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). A significantly decreased lysozyme levels in saliva compared to controls (p less than 0.01) were showed, whereas no differences were found in lysozyme activity in serum of patients and controls. The reduced levels in saliva can hardly be explained. The decreased levels of lysozyme in external fluids may be one explanation for the well-known predisposition for AD patients to an increased susceptibility to many cutaneous infections.