Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2025
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
The association between Staphylococcus aureus colonization on cheek skin at 2 months and subsequent atopic dermatitis
Maria Rasmussen Rinnov1,2, Trine Gerner1, Anne-Sofie Halling1,3
1Department of Dermatology and Allergy.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus colonization at 2 months is more common in infants who later develop atopic dermatitis (AD). This finding suggests a potential role for S. aureus in early AD development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric dermatology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus may exacerbate atopic dermatitis (AD).
- The precise role of S. aureus in AD's development and severity is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of S. aureus colonization in infants.
- To compare S. aureus colonization rates in infants who develop AD versus those who do not.
Main Methods:
- Prospective birth cohort study of 450 infants.
- Analysis of bacterial swabs from cheek skin at 0 and 2 months.
- Physician diagnosis and monitoring of AD development and severity for 2 years.
Main Results:
- S. aureus colonization was similar at birth in infants who developed AD and those who did not.
- At 2 months, S. aureus colonization was significantly more common in infants who later developed AD (aHR 1.97, P=0.006).
- No association was found between S. aureus colonization and AD severity or age of onset.
Conclusions:
- S. aureus colonization is more frequent at 2 months in infants who subsequently develop AD.
- The study suggests a potential link between early S. aureus colonization and AD development.
- Further research is needed to determine if S. aureus directly increases AD risk or is a consequence of skin barrier issues.
Background:
Staphylococcus aureus may worsen already established atopic dermatitis (AD), but its primary role in the aetiopathogenesis and severity of AD is unclear.
Objectives:
To compare the prevalence of S. aureus colonization in early infancy in children who developed AD during the first 2 years of life with children who did not.
Methods:
In this prospective birth cohort study, which included 450 infants, we analysed bacterial swabs collected from cheek skin at 0 and 2 months of age. The development of AD, and its severity, was diagnosed by a physician and monitored prospectively for 2 years. Information on parental atopy, filaggrin gene mutation status and use of antibiotics and emollients was included in the analyses.
Results:
At birth, the occurrence of S. aureus colonization was similar in infants who developed subsequent AD and those who did not. At 2 months of age, S. aureus colonization was more common in children who later developed AD (adjusted hazard ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.21-3.19; P = 0.006). No association was found between S. aureus colonization and AD severity or age at onset.
Conclusions:
It remains unknown whether colonization with S. aureus may directly increase the risk of AD, or whether it should be considered as secondary to skin barrier impairment or a skewed immune activity, but according to our findings, S. aureus colonization is more commonly increased at 2 months of age in children who later developed AD.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
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...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...