Staphylococcus aureus and Atopic Eczema

The isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from the skin of atopic eczema (AE) patients is one of the most characteristic findings seen in this particular disease, with colonization rates of about 90% of the investigated patients [1, 2]. The discussion of the importance of microbial factors in the pathogenesis of eczema and the therapeutical implications began more than 100 years ago [3]. Since then, our knowledge for both, the staphylococcal virulence factors and the implications for the human host defense system have dramatically increased and today the colonization of S. aureus on the eczematous skin is considered as one of themost important triggering factors for the initiation and perpetuation of the typical skin inflammation.