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Colonization of skin by Helcococcus kunzii
J Haas1, S L Jernick, R J Scardina
1Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|November 14, 1997
Summary
Helcococcus kunzii may colonize skin, especially on the feet. This bacterium might be an unrecognized part of the polymicrobial flora in diabetic foot ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Helcococcus kunzii is a bacterium.
- Diabetic foot ulcers are serious complications of diabetes.
- The role of H. kunzii in skin colonization and diabetic foot ulcers is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Helcococcus kunzii skin colonization.
- To explore the potential role of H. kunzii in diabetic foot ulcers.
Main Methods:
- Cultured skin samples from lower and upper extremities.
- Included podiatry patients (diabetics and non-diabetics) and healthy volunteers.
- Used a selective medium for H. kunzii isolation.
Main Results:
- A trend towards higher H. kunzii colonization rates was observed in podiatry patients.
- H. kunzii appears to preferentially colonize foot skin.
- No statistically significant differences in colonization rates were found.
Conclusions:
- H. kunzii may be a common skin colonizer, particularly on the feet.
- Its pathogenic role in diabetic foot ulcers requires further investigation.
- H. kunzii could be a previously unrecognized component of polymicrobial infections in diabetic foot ulcers.