[SCAN] Survival strategies of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis

Title: Survival Strategies of Staphylococcus aureus in Atopic Dermatitis

Speaker: Maria Miragaia

From: Bacterial Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology Lab, ITQB NOVA

Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease strongly associated with Staphylococcus aureus colonization, particularly in more severe cases. To better understand how this pathogen persists and adapts to the atopic skin environment, we are studying a large, globally representative collection of S. aureus isolates from AD patients, complemented by a Portuguese cohort that reflects the national context.

The inclusion of isolates from distinct within-host niches - lesional skin, non-lesional skin, and the anterior nares - enables the exploration of niche-specific adaptation and within-host evolutionary trajectories.

 Through the integration of clinical, genomic, and phenotypic data, we are uncovering bacterial lineages and traits associated with persistence, dissemination, and adaptation to AD lesion environment.

This ongoing work is shedding light on the contribution of S. aureus to AD pathogenesis and identifying features that may influence disease severity, ultimately supporting the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and improved disease management.

SCANs are weekly seminars that happen every Wednesday at noon by in-house researchers and invited speakers at ITQB NOVA.