Comparison of the Skin Microbiota in the Periocular Region between Patients with Inflammatory Skin Diseases and Healthy Participants: A Preliminary Study
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Published on: May 1, 2021
Iva Ferček1, Petar Ozretić2, Arjana Tambić-Andrašević3,4
1Department of Ophthalmology, Zabok General Hospital and Croatian Veterans' Hospital, 49210 Zabok, Croatia.
Abstract:
(1) Background: Periocular or periorbital dermatitis is a common term for all inflammatory skin diseases affecting the area of skin around the eyes. The clear etiopathogenesis of periocular dermatitis is still not fully understood. Advances in molecular techniques for studying microorganisms living in and on our bodies have highlighted the microbiome as a possible contributor to disease, as well as a promising diagnostic marker and target for innovative treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the composition and diversity of the skin microbiota in the periocular region between healthy individuals and individuals affected by the specific entity of periocular dermatitis. (2) Methods: A total of 35 patients with periocular dermatitis and 39 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. After a skin swab from the periocular region was taken from all participants, DNA extraction and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using Illumina NovaSeq technology were performed. (3) Results: Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium were the most abundant bacterial genera in the microbiota of healthy skin. Analysis of alpha diversity revealed a statistically significant change (p < 0.05) in biodiversity based on the Faith's PD index between patients and healthy individuals. We did not observe changes in beta diversity. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) revealed that Rothia, Corynebacterium, Bartonella, and Paracoccus were enriched in patients, and Anaerococcus, Bacteroides, Porphyromonas, and Enhydrobacter were enriched in healthy controls. (4) Conclusions: According to the results obtained, we assume that the observed changes in the bacterial microbiota on the skin, particularly Gram-positive anaerobic cocci and skin commensals of the genus Corynebacterium, could be one of the factors in the pathogenesis of the investigated inflammatory diseases. The identified differences in the microbiota between healthy individuals and patients with periocular dermatitis should be further investigated.
Insights
Changes in skin bacteria around the eyes may contribute to periocular dermatitis. This study found distinct microbial differences between patients and healthy individuals, highlighting the skin microbiome
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Periocular dermatitis, an inflammatory condition around the eyes, has an unclear cause.
- The skin microbiome is increasingly recognized for its role in disease pathogenesis and as a potential therapeutic target.
- Understanding periocular skin microbiota composition is crucial for novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the skin microbiota composition and diversity in the periocular region between individuals with periocular dermatitis and healthy controls.
- To identify specific bacterial taxa associated with periocular dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Skin swabs were collected from 35 patients with periocular dermatitis and 39 healthy controls.
- DNA extraction and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were performed using Illumina NovaSeq.
- Alpha and beta diversity analyses, along with Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), were employed.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium were the dominant genera in healthy skin.
- Significant differences in alpha diversity (Faith's PD index, p < 0.05) were observed between patients and controls.
- LEfSe analysis identified enrichment of Rothia, Corynebacterium, Bartonella, and Paracoccus in patients, and Anaerococcus, Bacteroides, Porphyromonas, and Enhydrobacter in healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- Alterations in the periocular skin bacterial microbiota, including an increase in Gram-positive anaerobic cocci and Corynebacterium, may play a role in periocular dermatitis.
- The identified microbial differences warrant further investigation as potential diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets.
- This study provides insights into the complex interplay between the skin microbiome and periocular inflammatory conditions.
