Skin Microbiome Ecosystem

The skin microbiome plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of acne. Referencing the Journal of Dermatology we aimed to investigate the facial skin microbiome of patients with acne and the microbiome differences related to different grades (types) of acne. Skin swabs from nine healthy controls and 67 acne patients were collected, the skin microbiomes were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Compared with healthy controls, acne patients exhibited significantly altered skin microbiomes. The skin microbiomes of patients with grade 1–3 acne were similar, but patients with grade 4 acne showed a significantly different skin microbiome compared with grades 1–3 acne, including increased alpha diversity and increased proportions of four Gram‐negative bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Klebsiella, Odoribacter and Bacteroides). In conclusion, acne  patients exhibited an altered skin microbiome compared to those with healthy skin, and more significant dysbiosis was found in patients with grade 4 acne (severe). Our findings may provide evidence for the pathogenic mechanisms of acne and microbial‐based strategies to avoid and treat acne. (Li, C.-X., You, Z.-X., Lin, Y.-X., Liu, H.-Y., & Su, J. (2019). Skin microbiome differences relate to the grade of acne vulgaris. The Journal of Dermatology, 46(9), 787–790) https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.14952