Characterization of the Pilosebaceous Microbiota and Biofilm-Forming Capacity of Bacteria Isolated from Healthy Individuals

Tu, Xuong Mau; Le, Minh Binh Nguyen; Tran, Hau Huu; Nguyen, Thanh Ngoc; Bui, Long Dang Hoang; Tran, Dung Ngoc; Ho, Sinh Nhan; Huynh, Phong Xuan

year 19, Issue 4 (July - August 2025) Iran J Med Microbiol 2025, 19(4): 244-253 | Back to browse issues page

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Tu X M, Le M B N, Tran H H, Nguyen T N, Bui L D H, Tran D N, et al . Characterization of the Pilosebaceous Microbiota and Biofilm-Forming Capacity of Bacteria Isolated from Healthy Individuals. Iran J Med Microbiol 2025; 19 (4) :244-253
URL: http://ijmm.ir/article-1-2841-en.html

Characterization of the Pilosebaceous Microbiota and Biofilm-Forming Capacity of Bacteria Isolated from Healthy Individuals

Xuong Mau Tu¹

, Minh Binh Nguyen Le²

, Hau Huu Tran²

, Thanh Ngoc Nguyen²

, Long Dang Hoang Bui²

, Dung Ngoc Tran³

, Sinh Nhan Ho⁴

, Phong Xuan Huynh⁵

1- Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam & CanTho Hospital of Dermato-Venereology, Can Tho City, Vietnam
2- Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam
3- Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho City, Vietnam
4- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
5- Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam , hxphong@ctu.edu.vn

Abstract: (399 Views)

Background and Aim: The microbial flora colonizing the pilosebaceous unit plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and homeostasis. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the biofilm-forming capacity of bacterial strains derived from the pilosebaceous follicles of healthy human facial skin.
Materials and Methods: Facial sebum samples were collected from 15 healthy volunteers. Bacterial strains were isolated and cultured under anaerobic conditions. Species identification was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The biofilm-forming ability of the isolates was quantified using the crystal violet staining assay.
Results: A total of 22 bacterial strains were isolated, predominantly Gram-positive, nonmotile, and morphologically characterized as rod-shaped (20/22) or coccoid (2/22). Colonies appeared opaque and white, with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Biochemical profiling showed that most isolates were catalase positive (18/22) and gelatinase positive (20/22), while the majority were oxidase negative (18/22). Three isolates exhibited lipase activity, and eight demonstrated hemolysin production. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Cutibacterium was identified as the dominant genus, with C. acnes accounting for 68% of the isolates. Biofilm assays revealed variability among C. acnes strains, with isolates Hn15-2, Hn4, and Hn13 displaying strong biofilm-forming capacity.
Conclusion: Healthy human facial skin harbors a diverse bacterial community, predominantly composed of Cutibacterium acnes. Notably, several C. acnes isolates demonstrated substantial biofilm-forming ability, suggesting potential implications for skin microbiome stability and pathogenicity.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris, Biofilm, Cutibacterium acnes, Facial Skin Microbiota

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Type of Study: Original Research Article | Subject: Medical Bacteriology
Received: 2025/08/6 | Accepted: 2025/10/1 | ePublished: 2025/10/10

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