UNCOVERING THE MICROBIAL LANDSCAPE OF HUMAN SKIN: A MULTAN-BASED STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/9mh9p244Keywords:
skin microbiota, Bacteria, , Fungi, Hand hygiene, Microbial load, Swabbing technique, University studentsAbstract
Background: Human skin, the body’s largest organ, serves as both a protective barrier and a microbial ecosystem hosting bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These microorganisms, collectively known as the skin microbiota, play a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis and immune regulation. Factors such as hygiene practices, environmental exposure, occupation, and antibiotic use influence microbial diversity and load. Understanding microbial distribution helps in assessing hygiene levels and identifying potential reservoirs of opportunistic pathogens.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the microbial diversity and distribution across different skin sites of students at Times University, Multan, and to determine gender-based differences in bacterial and fungal colonization.
Methods: A total of 150 samples were collected from 50 healthy participants (25 males and 25 females), aged 21–29 years. Skin swabs were obtained from three anatomical sites: the palm, neck, and antecubital fossa. Samples were inoculated onto nutrient, blood, and MacConkey agar for bacterial isolation, and potato dextrose agar for fungal identification. Isolates were characterized through morphological assessment, Gram staining, and biochemical testing including catalase, coagulase, oxidase, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer, citrate, and urease tests.
Results: The study identified seven bacterial species—Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Micrococcus spp.—and three fungal species—Tinea, Candida, and Alternaria. In total, 59 bacterial and 51 fungal isolates were recovered. The highest bacterial load was observed in the palm (mean 6.36 ± 0.017 CFU/ml), followed by the neck (5.65 ± 0.023 CFU/ml), and antecubital fossa (3.52 ± 0.030 CFU/ml). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent bacterium (97 isolates), while Tinea showed the highest fungal prevalence (+++).
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate significant microbial heterogeneity across different skin sites, with palms exhibiting the highest load due to frequent environmental contact. The detection of E. coli and S. aureus highlights the importance of hand hygiene in reducing infection risk and preventing microbial transmission in communal settings.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Malika Uzma, Atif Nisar, Iqra Awais, Abdul Salam, Ayesha Malik (Author)
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