Vibrio metschnikovii isolated from cosmetic products as potential cause of skin infection

Abstract

Cosmetics intended for human use should be free of microbes involving a potential health hazard. Different points in the cosmetic production process, from the choice of raw materials and the formulation itself to the final packaging, can be critical. The aim of this study is to present the first case of Vibrio metschnikovii isolated from cosmetics in Serbia, which caused signs of skin infection. Standard microbiological examination of the cosmetic sample, as well as skin swabs from the skin changes which appeared after applying the same cosmetics, were taken with final identification to the level of species applying matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Adequate management of hazard analysis and critical control points in cosmetic production is strongly recommended, which would guarantee microbiological safety of the final product.