Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025
10:42
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
17.2K
Compositional Variations between Adult and Infant Skin Microbiome: An Update
Barry Murphy1, Michael Hoptroff1, David Arnold1
1Unilever Research & Development, Port Sunlight, Bebington, Wirral CH63 3JW, UK.
Microorganisms
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Infant and adult leg skin microbiomes show distinct taxonomic and functional differences. These findings reveal evolving microbial communities throughout life and impact future cosmetic product development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Genomics
Background:
- The human skin microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem crucial for protection.
- Microbial composition changes throughout life due to environmental factors.
- Understanding age-related skin microbiome shifts is vital for health and product development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate taxonomic, diversity, and functional variations in infant versus adult leg skin microbiomes.
- To compare the microbial profiles and predicted metabolic functions between these age groups.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene-based metataxonomic analysis was employed.
- Comparative analysis of microbial communities and predicted functional profiles.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in genus and species-level taxonomic composition were observed between infant and adult skin microbiomes.
- Distinct community structures and predicted functional profiles indicate differing metabolic processes.
- Diversity analysis highlighted variations in overall community organization.
Conclusions:
- Infant and adult skin harbor significantly different microbiomes with distinct functional potentials.
- These age-specific microbial differences may influence the efficacy of topical products.
- The study underscores the dynamic nature of the skin microbiome across the human lifespan.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
72.6K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
72.6K
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
366
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
366
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
6.7K
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
6.7K
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
2.0K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
2.0K
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
3.9K
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.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
3.9K
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
1.2K
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...
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...
1.2K