Microbiology of the skin and the role of biofilms in infection

Percival, Steven L., Emanuel, Charlotte, Cutting, Keith F. and Williams, David Wynne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7351-5131 2012. Microbiology of the skin and the role of biofilms in infection. International Wound Journal 9 (1) , pp. 14-32. 10.1111/j.1742-481X.2011.00836.x

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Abstract

The integrity of human skin is central to the prevention of infection. Acute and chronic wounds can develop when the integrity of skin as a barrier to infection is disrupted. As a multi-functional organ, skin possesses important biochemical and physical properties that influence its microbiology. These properties include a slightly acidic pH, a low moisture content, a high lipid content (which results in increased hydrophobicity) and the presence of antimicrobial peptides. Such factors have a role to play in preventing exogenous microbial colonisation and subsequent infection. In addition, the properties of skin both select for and enhance colonisation and biofilm formation by certain ‘beneficial’ micro-organisms. These beneficial micro-organisms can provide further protection against colonisation by potential pathogens, a process known as colonisation resistance. The aim of this paper is to summarise the microflora of skin and wounds, highlighting the role of certain micro-organisms and biofilms in associated infections

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Dentistry
Subjects:	Q Science > QR Microbiology R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bacteria ; Biofilms ; Micro-organisms ; Microflora ; Skin
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell
ISSN:	1742-4801
Last Modified:	20 Oct 2022 09:25
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/31909

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