The Role of the Cutaneous Microbiome in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Light at the End of the Microbiological Tunnel
Synopsis:
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, debilitating inflammatory skin disease whose pathophysiology remains poorly understood [92]. Although the disease itself is relatively uncommon, it is frequently associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity [93] and undoubtedly represents an area of unmet clinical need [2]. Whilst it has long been recognized that HS is associated with changes in the resident bacterial flora, only now are metagenomic studies starting to shed new light on the diversity, complexity and regulation of the cutaneous microbiome in HS. Ultimately, prospective, controlled, longitudinal studies of the microbiome in HS lesional and non lesional skin are required, potentially complemented by genetic studies [94,95], to comprehensively determine the extent to which genetic and environmental factor contribute to dysbiosis and consequently disease pathology, but, more importantly, to identify much needed novel therapeutic targets.
Full Research: