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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
08:46
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Acidity difference and skin Staphylococcus spp. colonization in preterm and term newborns.
Osdatilla Esa Putri1, Suci Widhiati1, Prasetyadi Mawardi1
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University / Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia.
Summary
Preterm newborns exhibit higher skin pH and increased Staphylococcus colonization compared to term newborns. These findings highlight differences in neonatal skin barrier function and susceptibility to bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Skin Health
Background:
- Neonatal skin structure differs between term and preterm infants, impacting susceptibility to disorders.
- Preterm infants possess skin structures more vulnerable to various dermatological conditions.
- These structural variations may influence skin pH regulation and bacterial colonization, specifically Staphylococcus species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differences in skin acidity (pH) between preterm and term newborns.
- To compare the colonization patterns of Staphylococcus species on the skin of preterm and term neonates.
- To understand the implications of these differences on neonatal skin health and infection risk.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was conducted.
- Skin pH and Staphylococcus species colonization were assessed in term (37-41 weeks) and preterm (28-36 weeks) newborns within 24 hours of birth.
- Skin pH was measured using a pH meter, and bacterial colonization was quantified using colony-forming unit (CFU) testing.
Main Results:
- The study included 16 preterm and 13 term newborns.
- Eighty percent of preterm infants presented with alkaline skin pH, contrasting with 71% of term infants showing acidic skin pH.
- Staphylococcus species colonization was more prevalent in preterm infants (62%) compared to term infants (38%).
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in skin pH were observed between preterm and term newborns, with preterm infants exhibiting higher pH levels.
- Staphylococcus species colonization rates were notably higher in the preterm newborn group.
- These findings underscore distinct skin barrier characteristics and infection susceptibilities in preterm infants.
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