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Altered Maturation of the Skin Microbiome in Infants with Atopic Dermatitis

Caroline M Olesen1, Maja-Lisa Clausen2, Tove Agner2

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark. cmo.dk@hotmail.com.

Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|July 12, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The skin microbiome of infants with atopic dermatitis shows delayed maturation compared to healthy infants, with reduced richness and altered composition. This early-life difference may precede later bacterial dominance patterns.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Dermatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition in infants.
  • The skin microbiome plays a crucial role in immune system development and skin barrier function.
  • Understanding early-life skin microbiome development in AD is critical for identifying therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the longitudinal development of the skin microbiome in infants with and without atopic dermatitis.
  • To compare the skin microbiome's community structure, richness, and age-related patterns between AD and healthy infants.
  • To explore the early-life microbial dysbiosis associated with atopic dermatitis.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 38 infants (19 with AD, 19 healthy) up to 30 months of age.
  • Collection of skin tape-strips from forearms, cheeks, and eczema lesions.
  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze skin microbiome composition and diversity.

Main Results:

  • Infants with AD exhibited significantly different skin microbiome community structure and lower richness compared to healthy infants.
  • The skin microbiome of infants with AD was not dominated by Staphylococci, unlike in healthy infants.
  • Microbiome composition and richness correlated with age in healthy infants, but not in infants with AD, indicating delayed maturation.

Conclusions:

  • The skin microbiome in infants with atopic dermatitis demonstrates delayed maturation and altered development compared to healthy controls.
  • These early-life microbial differences precede the typical staphylococcal predominance seen in older individuals.
  • Findings suggest that interventions targeting the early skin microbiome could be beneficial for managing atopic dermatitis.

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