Studies report that the commensal bacterium Staphylococcus epidermis, which produces a small molecule called 6-HAP, can significantly reduce the growth of neoplasia. Preliminary experiments in mice show that the presence of S. epidermis prevents UV induced tumor formation as well. These bacteria may thereby provide additional protection to individuals who possess S. epidermis in their normal microflora.
A diverse array of bacteria reside on the human skin, whose survival and growth depend not just on environmental factors but also on the presence of other bacterial species. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus sp . like Staphylococcus epidermis and Staphylococcus hominis commonly reside on the skin. Staphylococcus aureus, on the other hand, usually colonizes the abnormal skin of patients suffering from diseases like atopic dermatitis. Resident bacteria interact with the host to maintain…
