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Journal of Applied Microbiology May 2018Tattooing and use of permanent makeup (PMU) has dramatically increased over the last decade, with a concomitant increase in ink-related infections. The aim of this study...
AIMS
Tattooing and use of permanent makeup (PMU) has dramatically increased over the last decade, with a concomitant increase in ink-related infections. The aim of this study was to determine whether micro-organisms are present, and if so, the number and their identification in the commercial tattoo and PMU inks available in the United States.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We surveyed 85 unopened tattoo and PMU inks, purchased from 13 companies. We incubated 100 μl of ink samples on trypticase soy agar plates for bacterial growth, 7H10 Middlebrook medium for mycobacterial growth, and Sabouraud dextrose medium for fungal growth. In total, 42 inks were contaminated with micro-organisms (49%). Thirty-three inks were contaminated with bacteria, 2 inks with fungi, and 7 inks had both bacterial and fungal growth. Mycobacteria were not detected in any of the examined tattoo and PMU inks. In 26 inks, microbial concentrations ranged between 10 and 10 CFU per ml, but higher counts (>10 CFU per ml) were recorded in 16 inks. We identified 83 bacteria by their 16S rDNA sequences, including 20 genera and 49 species. Strains of Bacillus spp. (53%) were dominant, followed by Lysinibacillus fusiformis (7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5%). Thirty-four (41%) possibly clinically relevant strains were identified, including P. aeruginosa, Dermacoccus barathri and Roseomonas mucosa, some of which have been previously reported to be associated with human skin infections.
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that commercial tattoo and PMU inks on the US market surveyed in this study contain a wide range of micro-organisms, including pathogenic bacteria.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY
Microbial contaminants in tattoo and PMU inks are an emerging safety concern for public health. This study provides evidence that microbial contamination of tattoo and PMU inks available in the United States is more common than previously thought and highlights the importance of monitoring these products for potentially pathogenic micro-organisms.
Topics: Bacteria; Cosmetics; Fungi; Humans; Ink; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tattooing; United States
PubMed: 29388315
DOI: 10.1111/jam.13713 -
Microbiology Resource Announcements Nov 2023is a bacterium that is found in the natural microbiota of human skin. Here, we present sequence assemblies from isolated from the skin microflora of three healthy...
is a bacterium that is found in the natural microbiota of human skin. Here, we present sequence assemblies from isolated from the skin microflora of three healthy human volunteers that were used to treat atopic dermatitis patients.
PubMed: 37819097
DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00520-23 -
Access Microbiology Mar 2021Both bacterial and aseptic meningitis can complicate neurosurgery, but they are often difficult to distinguish clinically or by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. We...
Both bacterial and aseptic meningitis can complicate neurosurgery, but they are often difficult to distinguish clinically or by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. We present an adolescent with subacute meningitis after neurosurgery, eventually diagnosed with meningitis caused by via 16S rRNA gene sequencing after two negative CSF cultures. He was treated successfully with intravenous meropenem with full recovery. This case shows that distinguishing bacterial from aseptic meningitis is important to allow directed antibiotic therapy. We recommend considering bacterial meningitis in the differential diagnosis of aseptic meningitis complicating neurosurgery, and to perform molecular diagnostics such as bacterial sequencing if the suspicion of bacterial meningitis is high.
PubMed: 34151165
DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000213 -
Science Advances Jan 2023Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition increasing in industrial nations at a pace that suggests environmental drivers. We hypothesize that the...
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition increasing in industrial nations at a pace that suggests environmental drivers. We hypothesize that the dysbiosis associated with AD may signal microbial adaptations to modern pollutants. Having previously modeled the benefits of health-associated , we now show that fixes nitrogen in the production of protective glycerolipids and their ceramide by-products. Screening EPA databases against the clinical visit rates identified diisocyanates as the strongest predictor of AD. Diisocyanates disrupted the production of beneficial lipids and therapeutic modeling for isolates of as well as commensal . Last, while topical failed to meet commercial end points in a placebo-controlled trial, the subgroup who completed the full protocol demonstrated sustained, clinically modest, but statistically significant clinical improvements that differed by study site diisocyanate levels. Therefore, diisocyanates show temporospatial and epidemiological association with AD while also inducing eczematous dysbiosis.
Topics: Humans; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dysbiosis; Isocyanates; Prevalence; Bacteria; Skin
PubMed: 36608129
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade8898 -
Microbiology Resource Announcements Nov 2023is associated with the normal skin microflora. Here, we present sequence assemblies from isolates obtained from the skin lesions of three atopic dermatitis patients.
is associated with the normal skin microflora. Here, we present sequence assemblies from isolates obtained from the skin lesions of three atopic dermatitis patients.
PubMed: 37847010
DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00521-23 -
Skin Health and Disease Sep 2021While patients and families struggling with atopic dermatitis (AD) have documented concerns for a contributory role of skin care products in AD pathology, nearly all the...
BACKGROUND
While patients and families struggling with atopic dermatitis (AD) have documented concerns for a contributory role of skin care products in AD pathology, nearly all the skin microbiome studies to date have asked participants to avoid topical products (such as soaps or select medications) for the preceding days to weeks prior to sample collection. Thus, given the established role of the microbiome in AD, the interactions between topical exposures, dysbiosis and AD remains underrepresented in the academic literature.
OBJECTIVES
To address this knowledge gap, we expanded our previous evaluations to test the toxicological effects of a broader range of common chemicals, AD treatment lotions, creams and ointments using both health- and AD-associated strains of and spp.
METHODS
Use of in vitro culture techniques and mouse models were deployed to identify chemicals with dysbiotic or pre-biotic potential. A proof-of-concept study was subsequently performed in healthy volunteers to assess global microbiome shifts after exposure to select chemicals using dermatologic patch testing.
RESULTS
Numerous chemicals possessed antibiotic properties, including many not marketed as anti-microbials. Through targeted combination of potentially beneficial chemicals, we identified combinations which promoted the growth of health-associated isolates over disease-associated strains in bacterial culture and enhanced microbe-specific outcomes in an established mouse model of AD; the most promising of which was the combination of citral and colophonium (often sold as lemon myrtle oil and pine tar). Additional studies would likely further optimize the combination of ingredients use. Similar results were seen in the proof-of-concept human studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results could offer a systematic, multiplex approach to identify which products carry dysbiotic potential and thus may guide formulation of new topicals to benefit patients with AD.
PubMed: 34723253
DOI: 10.1002/ski2.41 -
Environmental Science & Technology... May 2023Compared to the myriad of known triggers for rhinitis and asthma, environmental exposure research for atopic dermatitis (AD) is not well established. We recently...
Compared to the myriad of known triggers for rhinitis and asthma, environmental exposure research for atopic dermatitis (AD) is not well established. We recently reported that an untargeted search of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) databases versus AD rates by United States (U.S.) postal codes revealed that isocyanates, such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI), are the pollutant class with the strongest spatiotemporal and epidemiologic association with AD. We further demonstrated that (di)isocyanates disrupt ceramide-family lipid production in commensal bacteria and activate the thermo-itch host receptor TRPA1. In this report, we reanalyzed regions of the U.S. with low levels of diisocyanate pollution to assess if a different chemical class may contribute. We identified antimony compounds as the top associated pollutant in such regions. Exposure to antimony compounds would be expected from brake dust in high-traffic areas, smelting plants, bottled water, and dust from aerosolized soil. Like TDI, antimony inhibited ceramide-family lipid production in and activated TRPA1 in human neurons. While further epidemiologic research will be needed to directly evaluate antimony exposure with surrounding AD prevalence and severity, these data suggest that compounds which are epidemiologically associated with AD, inhibit commensal lipid production, and activate TRPA1 may be causally related to AD pathogenesis.
PubMed: 37692200
DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00142 -
MSystems Mar 2024Skin microbiome can be altered in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). An understanding of the changes from healthy to atopic skin can help develop new targets for...
Skin microbiome can be altered in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). An understanding of the changes from healthy to atopic skin can help develop new targets for treatment by identifying microbial and molecular biomarkers. This study investigates the skin microbiome and metabolome of healthy adult subjects and lesion (ADL) and non-lesion (ADNL) of AD patients by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. Samples from AD patients showed alterations in the diversity and composition of the skin microbiome, with ADL skin having the greatest divergence. species, especially , were significantly increased in AD patients. Metabolomic profiles were also different between the groups. Dipeptide derivatives are more abundant in ADL, which may be related to skin inflammation. Co-occurrence network analysis of the microbiome and metabolomics data revealed higher co-occurrence of metabolites and bacteria in healthy ADNL compared to ADL. co-occurred with dipeptide derivatives in ADL, while phytosphingosine-derived compounds showed co-occurrences with commensal bacteria, for example sp., sp., , , sp., sp., , , , and , in healthy and ADNL groups. Therefore, these findings provide valuable insights into how AD affects the human skin metabolome and microbiome.IMPORTANCEThis study provides valuable insight into changes in the skin microbiome and associated metabolomic profiles in an adult population with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. It also identifies new therapeutic targets that may be useful for developing personalized treatments for individuals with atopic dermatitis based on their unique skin microbiome and metabolic profiles.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Dermatitis, Atopic; Staphylococcus aureus; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Microbiota; Metabolome; Bacteria; Dipeptides
PubMed: 38319107
DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01119-23 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2020Despite several methods having been described for disinfecting implants affected by periimplantitis, none of these are universally effective and may even alter surfaces...
Despite several methods having been described for disinfecting implants affected by periimplantitis, none of these are universally effective and may even alter surfaces and mechanical properties of implants. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes were fabricated from niobium wires and assembled as a single instrument for implant cleaning. Chemo-mechanical debridement and air abrasion were used as control methods. Different mono-species biofilms, formed by bacteria and yeasts, were allowed to develop in rich medium at 37 °C for three days. In addition, natural multi-species biofilms were treated. Implants were placed in silicone, polyurethane foam and bovine ribs for simulating different clinical conditions. Following treatment, the implants were rolled on blood agar plates, which were subsequently incubated at 37 °C and microbial growth was analyzed. Complete electrochemical disinfection of implant surfaces was achieved with a maximum treatment time of 20 min for , , , , and , while in case of spore-forming and , a number of colonies appeared after BDD electrode treatment indicating an incomplete disinfection. Independent of the species tested, complete disinfection was never achieved when conventional techniques were used. During treatment with BDD electrodes, only minor changes in temperature and pH value were observed. The instrument used here requires optimization so that higher charge quantities can be applied in shorter treatment times.
PubMed: 32050444
DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020475 -
BMJ Case Reports Mar 2022Hepatic abscesses can rarely cause pericardial disease by erosion into the pericardial space and present with haemodynamic instability due cardiac tamponade. While rare,...
Hepatic abscesses can rarely cause pericardial disease by erosion into the pericardial space and present with haemodynamic instability due cardiac tamponade. While rare, these dramatic presentations are more often due to amoebic abscesses than bacterial abscesses. Importantly, a cause must be found for any cryptogenic hepatic abscess regardless of presentation, as there is a high association with underlying malignancy. We report a previously healthy man in his 30s who presented with cardiac tamponade from perforation of a pyogenic hepatic abscess into the pericardium in the absence of bacteremia and biliary disease. One year later, he was found to have diffusely metastatic hepatoid carcinoma.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Cardiac Tamponade; Humans; Liver Abscess, Pyogenic; Male; Methylobacteriaceae
PubMed: 35304358
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-248947