Universal Dermal Microbiome in Human Skin
The results indicate a well-conserved dermal community that is functionally distinct from the epidermal community, challenging the current dogma and future studies in cutaneous disorders and chronic infections may benefit by focusing on the dermal microbiota as a persistent microbial community.
Abstract
<jats:p>Human skin microbiota is thought to be unique according to the individual's lifestyle and genetic predisposition. This is true for the epidermal microbiota, while our findings demonstrate that the dermal microbiota is universal between healthy individuals. The preserved dermal microbial community is compositionally unique and functionally distinct to the specific environment in the depth of human skin. It is expected to have direct contact with the immune response of the human host, and research in the communication between host and microbiota should be targeted to this cutaneous compartment. This novel insight into specific microbial adaptation can be used advantageously in the research of chronic disorders and infections of the skin. It can enlighten the alteration between health and disease to the benefit of patients suffering from long-lasting socioeconomic illnesses.</jats:p>