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Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
10:42

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children

Published on: December 31, 2017

Bacterial flora of the healthy skin in children

G Herz

    The Journal of International Medical Research
    |January 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are common on children's skin, potentially spreading resistance to infections. Topical antiseptics are recommended over antibiotics for skin issues in children.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Dermatology
    • Pediatrics

    Background:

    • The skin's normal bacterial flora plays a crucial role in health and disease.
    • Understanding the antibiotic resistance patterns of commensal skin bacteria is essential for effective treatment strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the bacterial spectrum and antibiotic resistance of the normal skin flora in healthy children.
    • To assess the potential for antibiotic resistance transfer from commensal to pathogenic bacteria in pediatric skin infections.

    Main Methods:

    • Abrasion skin samples were collected from the upper back of 100 healthy children.
    • Bacterial cultures were analyzed to determine the predominant species and their antibiotic resistance profiles.

    Main Results:

    • Staphylococcus albus was the most prevalent bacteria, followed by Sarcina and Corynebacteria.
    • A significant proportion of the normal skin flora exhibited resistance to commonly used antibiotics.

    Conclusions:

    • The high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains in the normal skin flora raises concerns about resistance transfer to pathogens.
    • Topical broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents (antiseptics) are recommended over systemic antibiotics for pediatric skin conditions due to widespread resistance.

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