Studies show that quantitative and qualitative alterations in the skin population of C. Acnes is associated with higher atopic dermatitis risk, according to the results of a new literature review.
Cutibacterium acnes plays an opportunistic role in acne vulgaris. However, it is also a commensal bacteria that plays an important role in maintaining skin health, normal skin function, and the microbiome. Atopic dermatitis is a multi-faceted condition characterized by altered skin barrier function and many other issues. However, the role of altered skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis has remained a relatively neglected topic.
A literature review aimed to explore the role of Cutibacterium acnes in atopic dermatitis, and the findings of the study were shared at the 2023 annual conference of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Lower Cutibacterium acnes Skin Concentration Associated With Higher AD Risk
Of the 13 included studies, nine found a significant reduction in C. acnes levels and an increase in the population of S. aureus. One study also noted significant changes in the C. acnes strains in those living with AD compared to controls, pointing to both quantitative and qualitative changes in the population of this commensal bacterium.
Further, a study in mice found that vaccination with P. acnes could prevent the clinical manifestation of AD in mice, pointing to the role of microbiome changes in the disease development and also showing that treatments targeting normalizing skin microbiome might have a role in AD management.
The Bottom Line
This study sheds some new light on AD pathogenesis, suggesting that changes in skin microbiome might contribute to the development of the disease. Further research is needed to determine the potential role of treatments targeting C. acnes on the progression of AD.
Source:
Green, M., Feschuk, A., Kashetsky, N., & Maibach, H. (2023). 41032 Beyond acne vulgaris: Role of cutibacterium acnes in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 89(3), AB127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.07.512
