Molecular and Immunological Characterization ofStaphylococcus aureusin Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: Implications for Prophylaxis and Clinical Management

Abstract

S. aureusrepresents a critical cofactor in atopic dermatitis (AD). In this paper, the prevalence ofS. aureusinfection/colonization was evaluated in 117 children as well as in their cohabitants, in order to assess the value ofS. aureuscharacterization in predicting disease onset and severity and in providing indications for prophylaxis. Results showed that children with AD as well as their cohabitants had a significantly greater incidence ofS. aureusinfection/colonization as compared to controls. The genetic characterization showed a virtual identity of the bacteria strains collected at different sites of the patients with those found in the cohabitants, suggesting both a direct transmission between the nasal reservoir and the lesions in the same atopic subject and a risk for reinfection within family cohabitants. These data stress the need of preliminary laboratory assessment and posttherapy control in both AD patients and their close contacts for effectiveS. aureuseradication.