Skin microbiome changes in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

Aims: The main aim of our study was identification of skin microbiome changes in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The focus of our research were microorganisms of Staphylococcus spp. genus. Materials and methods: The study included 34 patients with atopic dermatitis and 41 patients with psoriasis. The enrollment period lasted for 3 months. The material for cultivation was taken from 4 skin areas: lesion and normal skin of dry body skin sites (medial surface of forearm for patients with atopic dermatitis and extensor surface of elbow joint for patients with psoriasis) and scalp. Further evaluation was carried out using cultural and molecular biological research methods. The obtained data were statistically processed. Results: The study included 34 patients with atopic dermatitis and 41 patients with psoriasis. Mean SCORAD for atopic dermatitis group was 51,5912,75 and mean PASI for psoriasis group was23,7214,14. Mean SCORAD for atopic dermatitis patients who carries toxigenic S.аureus strains was 57,439,75, in group without toxigenic S.аureus strains mean SCORAD was statistically significant lower - 37,908,63 (р=0,054). Mean SCORAD for atopic dermatitis patients who carries S.epidermidis commensal strain was 51,312,75, difference between this group and toxigenic S.аureus strains group of patients was insignificant (р=0,18). Mean PASI for psoriasis patients who carries toxigenic S.аureus strains was 26,412,76, mean PASI for psoriasis patients who carries S.epidermidis commensal strain was 20,99,07. Difference between S.epidermidis group and toxigenic S.аureus strains group of patients was statistically insignificant (р=0,53) with tendency to more severe disease in group of toxigenic S.аureus strains carriers. Conclusions: This study reveals some aspects of skin colonization by microorganisms belonging to Staphylococcus spp genus in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. We identify some correlations between severity of inflammatory disease and characteristics of microorganisms strain.