Bacteriology of psoriatic plaques

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Microbiology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
• The role of bacterial flora in psoriasis pathogenesis is not fully understood.
• Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding bacterial differences in psoriatic skin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate qualitative and quantitative differences in cutaneous bacterial flora between psoriatic lesions, adjacent normal skin, and healthy controls.
• To compare the nasal carriage rate of Staphylococcus aureus in psoriatic patients versus controls.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative and quantitative bacterial culture techniques were employed.
• Samples were collected from psoriatic plaques, adjacent normal skin of psoriatic patients, and normal skin of healthy controls.
• Nasal swabs were used to assess Staphylococcus aureus carriage.

Main Results:

• No significant qualitative differences in bacterial flora were found between psoriatic and normal skin.
• Significantly higher total bacterial counts were observed on psoriatic plaques compared to adjacent normal skin.
• Normal skin of psoriatic patients showed higher bacterial counts than healthy controls.
• Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus was significantly higher in psoriatic patients.

Conclusions:

• The increased bacterial load on psoriatic plaques may contribute to disease exacerbation or inflammation.
• While the types of cutaneous bacteria are similar, quantitative differences and altered nasal carriage suggest a role for bacteria in psoriasis.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which bacterial flora influences psoriasis.