Changes in Skin Bacteria in Psoriasis
Author Information
Author(s): Gao Zhan, Tseng Chi-hong, Strober Bruce E., Pei Zhiheng, Blaser Martin J.
Primary Institution: New York University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Do bacterial populations in psoriatic lesions differ from unaffected skin and from skin of healthy persons?
Conclusion
Psoriasis is associated with significant changes in the composition and representation of the skin's bacterial biota.
Supporting Evidence
- The most abundant phylum in psoriatic lesions was Firmicutes, which was significantly overrepresented compared to normal skin.
- Actinobacteria, prevalent in normal skin, was significantly underrepresented in psoriatic lesions.
- Propionibacterium species were found in lower amounts in psoriatic lesions compared to normal skin.
Takeaway
People with psoriasis have different types of bacteria on their skin compared to healthy people, which might be linked to their skin condition.
Methodology
The study used broad-range 16S rDNA PCR to analyze skin samples from patients with psoriasis and healthy individuals.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not explore differences at the strain level of bacteria.
Participant Demographics
The study included three men and three women with psoriasis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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