Every day, science is uncovering more about the microflora in and on the human body. While much attention is being given to gut microflora and the immune system, the “good” bacteria on our skin can’t be underestimated. According to research published in mBio, scientists have demonstrated that a harmless bacterium found in the nose and on skin may help stave off the infectious bacteria that causes middle ear infections in children and pneumonia in children and older adults.
This study provides the first evidence that Corynebacterium accolens, a harmless bacterial species that commonly colonizes the nose, can help inhibit Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) — a major cause of pneumonia, meningitis, middle ear infection and sinusitis. According to the World Health Organization, S. pneumoniae leads to more than 1 million deaths each year, primarily in young children in developing countries. Although most people that host S. pneumoniae do not develop these infections, colonization greatly increases the risk of, and is a perquisite for, infection and transmission.
The study, titled, “Corynebacterium accolens (C. accolens) Releases Antipneumococcal Free Fatty Acids from Human Nostril and Skin Surface Triacylglycerols,” is published on January 5, 2016 in mBio. Researchers found that C. accolens modifies its local habitat in a manner that inhibits the growth of S. pneumoniae by releasing antibacterial free fatty acids.