85 Microbiological diversity among palmoplantar dermatoses patients

Abstract

Introduction: Palmoplantar dermatoses are a spectrum of conditions, each characterized by distinct pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and treatment approaches, all of which significantly influence an individual's quality of life. It is well known that atopic dermatitis shows altered skin microbiome. In this study we aim to identify variations within the skin microbial culture among various palmoplantar dermatoses. Result(s): The retrospective study was conducted between October 2022 and August 2023. This study involved the collection of skin bacterial cultures (SWAB testing) and fungal cultures from patients with isolated palmoplantar dermatoses. A total of 68 patients were analysed: from them 48 with psoriasis, 5 with atopic dermatitis (AD) and 14 with acute or chronic eczematous process (allergic contact dermatitis, dyshidrosis, irritant contact dermatitis). Diagnoses confirmed by histological examination. In the case of psoriasis, microbiological culture results were positive in 28 patients (61%). The most frequently isolated bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus (17 patients), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (4 patients), Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (3 patients), Gram-negative bacilli; Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and Enterobacter species. Fungal cultures were positive for 19 patients (41%), with Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton rubrum isolated in 2 patients, Candida species in 5 patients, other isolated species were Rhodotorula rubra, Alternaria, Fusarium, Clostridium, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium. From 5 atopic dermatitis patients, 3 (60%) tested positive microbiological cultures. Staphylococcus aureus isolated from 2 samples, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans from 1 sample. Fungal culture: Rhodotorula rubra and Penicillium sp isolated in one case. From 15 eczema patients, microbiological cultures positive in 8 (53%). Staphylococcus aureus in 4, Coagulase-negative staphylococci 3, and Gram-negative bacilli 1 patient. Fungal cultures positive in 8 (53%) cases, Trichophyton species isolated from 1 patient, in other cases Candida parapsilosis, along with Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Conclusion/discussion: The data from this study show similar microbiological findings in different palmoplantar dermatoses. The question is whether the isolated microorganisms could be considered triggers or rather viewed as secondary infections due to skin barrier damage.Copyright © 2023