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Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

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Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
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Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

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The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
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The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular...
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Infection01:20

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When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
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The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
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Epidermis as a Platform for Bacterial Transmission.

Fernando Baquero1,2, Claudia Saralegui1, Daniel Marcos-Mencía1

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.

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Summary

The skin

Keywords:
bacterial transmissionepidermis microbiotaheterogeneity transmittersprotection pathogensskin tribology

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Dermatology
  • Epidermal Biology

Background:

  • The epidermis protects against bacteria, hosting beneficial commensals that prevent pathogen colonization.
  • Skin homeostasis involves a dynamic interplay of nutritional factors, chemical inhibitors, and immune responses.
  • Epidermal microecology favors Gram-positive bacteria, limiting Gram-negative colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidermis as a critical platform for host-to-host bacterial transmission.
  • To explore the role of hand and fingertip structure in bacterial adhesion and release.
  • To highlight the need for research into the tribology of epidermal bacterial transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on epidermal-bacterial interactions and transmission pathways.
  • Analysis of the physical and microecological properties of the epidermis relevant to bacterial colonization.
  • Discussion of experimental findings on interindividual differences in microbial transmission via hands.

Main Results:

  • The epidermis, particularly hands and fingers, serves as a major transmission route for bacteria between individuals.
  • Fingertip ridges enhance bacterial adhesion and release, facilitating transmission.
  • Significant interindividual variations exist in microbial transmission capabilities, influenced by host factors.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding epidermal bacterial transmission is crucial for preventing cross-infections, especially in healthcare settings.
  • Tribology offers a framework for studying the physical mechanisms of hand-to-hand microbial transfer.
  • Further research is essential to develop effective strategies for mitigating hand-borne bacterial transmission.