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Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered that a common yeast known as Malassezia, which is typically associated with skin conditions like dandruff, may hold the key to fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Published in the journal Current Biology, the study highlights a molecule secreted by Malassezia that effectively targets and kills Staphylococcus aureus, a dangerous pathogen responsible for over half a million hospitalizations in the United States each year.
Malassezia is a dominant organism in the human skin microbiome, thriving in areas rich in oils. While often harmless, this yeast has a unique relationship with the lipids secreted by the skin. It uses these oils for survival and, in the process, produces fatty acids that exhibit antimicrobial properties. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that these hydroxy fatty acids can destroy the membranes of Staphylococcus aureus, leading to rapid bacterial death within minutes.
The research team notes that previous studies may have overlooked Malassezia’s potential due to the pH levels used in laboratory conditions. Healthy skin is naturally acidic, which enhances the antimicrobial effects of the fatty acids produced by the yeast. This study marks a significant step in understanding how skin-resident fungi can contribute to combatting antibiotic resistance.
However, the findings also indicate a challenge: Staphylococcus aureus can develop resistance to the fatty acids. The bacteria may mutate in response to the compounds, highlighting the need for careful application of microbial therapies, similar to the caution exercised with traditional antibiotics.
As the skin microbiome garners more attention in scientific research, this discovery not only emphasizes the importance of the microorganisms on our skin but also points to the possibility of developing new antibiotics derived from our own biology. The ongoing research aims to further explore the complex interactions within the skin microbiome to uncover additional therapeutic opportunities.
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