Antimicrobial Lipids of the Skin and Tear Film

Carol L Bratt; Phil Wertz; David Drake; Deborah V Dawson; Kim A Brogden

doi:10.1002/9780470976623.ch5

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Book chapter

Antimicrobial Lipids of the Skin and Tear Film

Carol L Bratt, Phil Wertz, David Drake, Deborah V Dawson and Kim A Brogden

Lipids and Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents, pp.99-121

John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

01/25/2011

DOI: 10.1002/9780470976623.ch5

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Abstract

The skin and tear film contain complex mixtures of lipids that act individually or synergistically with proteins and peptides to provide strong antimicrobial barriers at the cutaneous and ocular surfaces. These lipids have antimicrobial activity when isolated from these tissues and tested against Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria, and yeasts. The spectrum of antimicrobial activity of lipids is currently under investigation by a variety of research groups for a variety of cutaneous pathogens. The site of lipid antimicrobial activity appears to be the microbial plasma membrane but this needs to be confirmed. Further investigation will likely identify promising lipids with strong antimicrobial activity, anti‐inflammatory properties, and low toxicities for epithelial and mucosal tissues that may serve as therapeutics to treat a wide variety of cutaneous and ocular infections and inflammatory disorders.

antimicrobial lipids ‐ of skin and tear film

bacterial skin infections in normal individuals ‐ immunocompromised individuals and travelers, in specific occupations

cutaneous innate immune mechanisms

Gram‐negative bacilli, as transient organisms ‐ flourishing, Gram‐positive flora suppressed by antibiotics

Gram‐positive cocci, Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. ‐ contaminating cuts, burns, puncture wounds and abrasions

high antimicrobial activity of lipids ‐ applications in personal hygiene as deodorants

innate immune mechanisms in skin ‐ extensive cutaneous microbial burden

skin, durable and protective body‐surface covering ‐ physical barrier protecting underlying tissues against excessive temperature changes

Treponema pallidum ssp. and syphilis ‐ transmission, direct contact with active lesions

types and locations of lipids of skin and tear film

Details

Title: Subtitle: Antimicrobial Lipids of the Skin and Tear Film
Creators: Carol L Bratt - University of Iowa
Phil Wertz - University of Iowa
David Drake - University of Iowa
Deborah V Dawson - University of Iowa
Kim A Brogden - University of Iowa
Contributors: Halldor Thormar (Editor) - University of Iceland
Resource Type: Book chapter
Publication Details: Lipids and Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents, pp.99-121
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; Chichester, UK
DOI: 10.1002/9780470976623.ch5
Number of pages: 23
Language: English
Date published: 01/25/2011
Academic Unit: Biostatistics; Pediatric Dentistry; Periodontics; Dental Research; Endodontics
Record Identifier: 9984367754402771

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