When most people imagine fungi living on human skin, they probably don’t think of anything beneficial. However, a new study from the University of Oregon found a skin yeast molecule that kills Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus causes approximately 500,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. each year.
Caitlin Kowalski, the study’s lead researcher, says skin fungi are an untapped resource for finding new antibiotics.
What New Findings about Malassezia Did Researchers Find?
Malassezia, a common skin fungus, uses natural oils to create fatty acids. These fatty acids can kill Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria are found in the noses of one in three people. S. aureus causes serious infections when it enters wounds or cuts.
The bacteria are a major cause of skin infections and resist many antibiotics. Kowalski said many researchers focus on new antibiotic structures. But her team found an old, well-known compound that acts like an antibiotic.
She explained that other lab studies have missed these effects. Malassezia and similar fungi are common on human skin, but are often overlooked. Malassezia can cause dandruff and eczema, but is usually harmless on skin. It depends on skin oils for survival.
Researchers spent three years working with chemical microbiologists at McMaster University. Together, they identified the fatty acids made by the skin fungus.
Kowalski said it felt like finding a needle in a haystack, except the molecules were invisible. Her advisor, Matthew Barber, said antibiotic-resistant infections are a growing threat. He added that more research is needed to understand skin microbes and their role in health.
Kowalski is now preparing to launch her own lab. She wants to study the skin microbiome’s role in health and antibiotic resistance.
How Does Malassezia Fight Infections?
Kowalski explained that the skin microbiome, like the gut microbiome, uses host lipids to make useful compounds. She believes this process has future implications for skin health and disease prevention.
Malassezia turns skin oils into hydroxy fatty acids that kill S. aureus. These fatty acids act like detergents, breaking bacterial membranes and making them leak. Kowalski says S. aureus can die in as little as 15 minutes.
But the bacteria can adapt. After enough exposure, S. aureus mutates a gene called REL. This gene activates the bacteria’s stress response. The change helps the bacteria survive and increases its resistance to antibiotics.
Conclusion
A new study highlights the potential of skin fungi in fighting infections. The discovery could lead to new treatments that address antibiotic resistance. Further research is needed to explore how these compounds can be safely used.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
