Features of skin colonization with Staphylococcus spp. in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patients

Abstract

Background. Characteristics of commensal and pathogenic species of Staphylococcus spp. and their contribution in atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis pathogenesis remains to be understudied. Aims. The aim of our study was identification of Staphylococcus spp. skin colonization in patients with AD and psoriasis. Methods. The study included 34 patients with AD and 35 patients with psoriasis. The material was taken from lesional and normal skin of body and scalp. We used cultural and molecular biological research methods for further evaluation. The data were statistically processed. Results. Mean SCORAD for AD patients who carries toxigenic S. aureus strains (2) was 57.43 ± 9.75, in group without toxigenic S. aureus strains (1) mean SCORAD was lower — 37.90 ± 8.63 (р = 0.054). Mean SCORAD for AD patients who carries S. epidermidis strains, toxigenic and non-toxigenic S. aureus strains (3) was 51.3 ± 12.75, difference between group 2 and 3 was insignificant (р = 0,18). Mean PASI for psoriasis patients-carriers S. aureus strains was 27.1 ± 11.35, mean PASI for psoriasis patients-carriers S. epidermidis strains was 20.9 ± 9.07. Difference between this groups was statistically insignificant (р = 0.42). All strains of S. aureus were carriers of pathogenicity factors, about 90% of strains being able to produсe secreted toxins. Conclusion. This study reveals some aspects of skin colonization by Staphylococcus spp. in patients with AD and psoriasis. We identify some correlations between severity of inflammatory disease and characteristics of microorganism’s strain.