Scalp bacterial shift in Alopecia areata.

Daniela Pinto,Mariangela Rucco,Giammaria Giuliani,Elisabetta Sorbellini,Fabio Rinaldi,Barbara Marzani,Brenda A Wilson

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0215206

Abstract

The role of microbial dysbiosis in scalp disease has been recently hypothesized. However, little information is available with regards to the association between microbial population on the scalp and hair diseases related to hair growth. Here we investigated bacterial communities in healthy and Alopecia areata (AA) subjects. The analysis of bacterial distribution at the genus level highlighted an increase of Propionibacterium in AA subjects alongside a general decrease of Staphylococcus. Analysis of log Relative abundance of main bacterial species inhabiting the scalp showed a significant increase of Propionibacterium acnes in AA subjects compared to control ones. AA scalp condition is also associated with a significant decrease of Staphylococcus epidermidis relative abundance. No significant changes were found for Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, data from sequencing profiling of the bacterial population strongly support a different microbial composition of the different area surrounded hair follicle from the epidermis to hypodermis, highlighting differences between normal and AA affected the scalp. Our results highlight, for the first time, the presence of a microbial shift on the scalp of patients suffering from AA and gives the basis for a larger and more complete study of microbial population involvement in hair disorders.

Highlights

Alopecia areata (AA) is the second most common type of hair loss disorder for human beings
Characterization of scalp bacterial species involved in hair disorders such as Alopecia androgenetica, Alopecia areata, and Lichen Planopilaris has been poorly investigated and, only recently, the piece bit of evidence has been reported [16]
We focused our attention on bacterial population of the scalp of healthy and AA subjects looking at main bacterial species on the scalp [15] (P. acnes, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis) and at their reciprocal balancing

Summary

Introduction

Alopecia areata (AA) is the second most common type of hair loss disorder for human beings. It occurs in the form of a non-scarring alopecia which affects the scalp and, eventually, the entire body [1]. From a clinical point of view, this led to single or several annular or patchy bald lesions usually on the scalp [3,4]. These lesions can extend to the entire scalp (Alopecia totalis) or to the entire pilar area of the body (Alopecia universalis)

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Discussion

Conclusion