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An in vivo staining technique for the demonstration of micro-organisms on the stratum corneum

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

S. A. Malcolm
S. A. Malcolm
Affiliation:
Unilever Research Isleworth Laboratory, Unilever Limited, 455 London Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5AB
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Synopsis

An in vivo staining technique has been developed for the demonstration of micro-organisms on human skin. This technique permits the study of the relationship between micro-organisms and the stratum corneum and its associated structures. It also aids an understanding of the factors involved in the nutrition and survival of micro-organisms on the skin surface.

In skin sites with large populations of coryneform species the bacteria tend to accumulate at the edges of corneocytes. This tendency is not shared by members of the micrococcaceae.

Agar impressions of the skin surface confirm observations of other workers and suggest that the surface of the stratum corneum is composed of domed corneocytes with a network of troughs or channels surrounding them. It is proposed that the association of coryneform bacteria with the edges of corneocytes may be due to the creation of an environment within the troughs which favours microbial colonisation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Section B: Biological Sciences , Volume 79 , Issue 1-3: Surface ecosystems and the interactions within them which overcome skin defence mechanisms , 1980 , pp. 201 - 208
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1980

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